Helping Those in Most Need
7 Oct 2014
The Otago Community Trust has committed funding to help secure long-term emergency shelter for some of Dunedin’s disadvantaged.
The Dunedin Night Shelter Trust is raising $650,000 needed to purchase its current Night Shelter property in inner Dunedin. The Otago Community Trust has recently pledged $200,000 to the cause.
The Night Shelter Trust operates two emergency accommodation facilities on the inner-city site it currently rents – the five bedroom Night Shelter provides food and a place to sleep for homeless people for up to three nights, and the Phoenix Lodge runs “stepping stone” rental accommodation for up to three months to support people in need to get back into mainstream community.
Both provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. Not only is shelter given, assistance is also offered to help the person at risk to find alternative accommodation and to access the help they need.
Since 2007 it has provided over 1200 bed nights of emergency accommodation for vulnerable Dunedin people, mostly men, and demand is growing. It presently averages 60 bed nights a month.
Otago Community Trust Chief Executive Barbara Bridger said the Shelter is an asset for the community. “Helping the organisation purchase rather than lease would ensure it continues to operate in what is an ideal location, putting it on a surer footing to offer an essential service to those most in need. We’re pleased to be able to help.”
The Shelter and Phoenix Lodge is totally funded by community grants and donations. The Shelter employs two staff, and a supervisor lives-in at the Phoenix Lodge, but volunteers are essential for providing meals and housekeeping, and for assisting staff to help each individual source appropriate social service agency support or medical assistance.
Night Shelter Trust chair David Brown said the shelter is used nightly as the needs increase. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of support from the city’s welfare agencies, church groups and the Police, and are pleased that the Community Trust has stepped in to help. The donation is a significant contribution but it’s also been a morale boost for our fundraising campaign.”
The Shelter has already raised funds but widespread community support is still needed to raise the remaining $200,000 needed to buy the property. On-going funds are also needed to assist with the annual costs of running a service.