New homes for Christchurch families in need

Published on 16th of June, 2017

The Christchurch Methodist Mission is partnering with Housing Plus to build three two bedroom houses in Hornby.

Each of the three new homes can accommodate a family whose lives have been impacted by mental health issues. Building these homes will help families that are often overlooked in the rental market as landlords choose to rent their properties to ‘less risky’ applicants. With a significant shortage of high quality community housing already in Christchurch, these families are struggling to find affordable housing that meets their needs.  

CMM’s social workers state that the single biggest issue impacting on their clients’ lives is the lack of warm, affordable and secure housing.  The Hornby homes will enable three families to have an affordable place to call their own. They will also receive the wrap around support that they need from CMM and other community organisations. 

Mental illness is a huge issue in Christchurch. Mental health services in Canterbury currently see about 700 more adults and 300 more children and young people per month than before the Canterbury quakes. “These three houses will give some of the most vulnerable families in our community what they need first and foremost - a warm and affordable place to call home” says Jill Hawkey, CMM Executive Director. “It all starts with housing. Once this basic need is met, parents can provide a stable environment for their children and receive home-based support depending on their needs.”

The new homes will be available for families from early 2018. They are part of a wider development that includes new homes being built by three other community housing providers - Abbeyfield, The Salvation Army and the New Zealand Housing Foundation. The development is centrally located close to the Hornby Shops and next door to the community centre and library.

Housing Plus is building a total of eleven units - eight single person units and the three two bedroom houses which are being sold to CMM. Housing Plus, under the name of the Beckenham Community Housing Trust (BCHT), have ten years’ experience of providing community housing and support to people with mental health issues.

The cost of the three houses will primarily be resourced by investment funds designated for housing as well as a loan that will be serviced by rental income.