Today is World Homelessness Day. While we might like to think of homelessness as being a problem that other countries have, the reality is that it is a growing issue in New Zealand. It is also misunderstood. Homelessness is not just the obvious and distressing situation of people living rough - on the streets and under bridges. It is also about people who drift from one place to another, from couches to shelters without the security of a regular, warm, dry and safe bed. To me the mark of a good society is one where we do not let homelessness grow, but where we make one of our priorities providing shelter and comfort for all. We need a comprehensive plan to address homelessness, starting with its causes in poverty, mental health and family breakdown. A few years back I spent a night at the Wellington Mens Night Shelter. This item screened on TV3 at the time. The men I met all had hopes and aspirations, they all want something better for them and their families. It is our responsibility as a good and decent society to give them that opportunity.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 21:05:00 +0000
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