Transitional housing usually lasts 12-weeks and is accessed through Work and Income. You should be moved into more permanent housing by the end of your stay, but the provider should continue supporting you for another 12 weeks after you‘ve moved out.

In certain situations, you might be able to stay longer than 12-weeks as long as your provider agrees. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1 - Call Work and Income

• If you're under 65, call 0800 559 009

• If you're 65 and over, call 0800 552 002

• If you get Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment, call your youth coach. If you don't know how to contact your youth coach, call your Youth Service provider and ask for your youth coach. You can find the contact details for your Youth Service provider on the Youth Services website. If your youth coach isn't available, call them on 0800 559 009

Step 2 - They'll discuss your housing options

They'll talk with you about your situation and what housing options you might have.

If they think you qualify for transitional housing, they'll book an appointment for you.

Step 3 - At your appointment

NB: If you have a key worker, peer support or community support worker - BRING THEM WITH YOU. They do not need to say anything. Their mere presence will streamline the process.

They'll confirm whether you qualify for transitional housing and if anything is available.

If there are no spaces in transitional housing, they'll look at emergency housing options.

Who provides Transitional housing?

Some of the providers in Counties Manukau are Emerge Aotearoa, The Salvation Army, Penina Trust, Kahui Tu Kaha and STRIVE Trust. 

You should be moved into more permanent housing by the end of your stay, but the provider should continue supporting you for another 12 weeks after you‘ve moved out. In certain situations, you might be able to stay longer than 12 weeks as long as your provider agrees. You should talk to your provider about this and keep written records of your discussions.