Outreach in Winter

 “The number of blankets we see on the streets multiplies, the same for the number of makeshift structures, people just want to stay out of the cold and try to stay dry”

Winter is unforgiving when you are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, presenting challenges to this vulnerable population that other groups in society simply don’t have to deal with.

 “The number of blankets we see on the streets multiplies, the same for the number of makeshift structures, people just want to stay out of the cold and try to stay dry”, says Rowan, of our Piki te Ora Pou (Outreach team).  

Rowan notices an increase in people at our office on Luke’s Lane looking for help as the weather turns colder. We know that there are more risks for people who are rough sleeping in winter.

“There’s more worry about their health. We know that this community is prone to a lot of illness, especially when it’s wet and cold. It’s really sad and heartbreaking,” says Rowan, reflecting on how her experience of going on outreach changes in the winter months when she knows that the people she sees rough sleeping are going to be too cold to stay in good health.

For women who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, there are added concerns during winter. They might feel they have no other option than to stay in an unsafe situation to keep themselves warm and dry, making it harder to escape domestic violence and impacting their ability to connect with us, Rowan explains. 

There is no easy way to reduce the number of people who find themselves rough-sleeping or are otherwise at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Wellington during winter. The problem requires a shift in how we think about and provide housing to the most vulnerable in our population.

“We need houses! We need robust, resilient housing. Our people need housing that is resilient, and social housing that is supportive. If I go through something life-altering, I shouldn’t lose my house. If someone has a mental health crisis, that shouldn’t turn into a housing crisis. ”, says Rowan. For whānau who deal with mental health issues and addictions, they can find their housing at risk as a result.

“Our housing also needs to be affordable. I know of people working full-time with a stable income who are currently flatting to save on housing costs because they know that if they were to live alone, around 50% of their salary would be spent on rent.” For our whānau and others who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, flatting often isn’t an option. In the private market, they would be paying a high percentage of their already low income on housing costs, leaving less money available for other essentials such as food and clothing.

DCM works tirelessly to support those experiencing homelessness, especially during the harsh winter months. Our teams provide essential assistance and advocacy for the most marginalized people in Wellington. However, we can't do it alone. Join us to help protect our most vulnerable communities year-round