Salvation Army says need for transitional housing will go up 35 per cent for Christmas

Sunday, 17 November 2019

An extra 600 people are expected to be in Salvation Army housing this Christmas compared to last. 

The organisation provides transitional and social housing to those in need across the country year-round, but demand increases over the festive season.

The charity's national director of community ministries, Jono Bell, said 1187 men, women and children were in its centres on Christmas Eve in 2018.

That number was expected to rise to 1800 this year – an increase of about 35 per cent.

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Bell said the organisation had predicted the rise by looking at the number of people who were living on the streets, in a car or in motels.

People were still feeling the effects of the housing crisis, he said.

'For most of us, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but for many others it is another day without food or shelter and can be filled with stress and loneliness,' Bell said.

Bell said the people who spent Christmas at Salvation Army facilities would receive wraparound support.

Some would receive a Christmas hamper including Christmas crackers, a chicken and some treats, and families would be given small gifts so their children had something to open on Christmas day.

Bell said the organisation was also busy putting together more than 15,000 food parcels for thousands more people in need over the season.

'Throughout the year we help thousands of people with emergency food and housing, as well as budgeting sessions, social work and counselling.

'Christmas is a particularly tough time for many people who struggle without enough food or shelter, let alone gifts under the tree.'

The Salvation Army's Christmas appeal launches on Monday. It is asking for help from the public so it can continue helping those in need.

For more information, head to salvationarmy.org.nz/christmasappeal.