New data dashboard sheds light on homelessness

The interactive digital dashboard brings together data on housing stress and homelessness, shining a light on the realities faced by some Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt residents.

It shows key trends from severe housing deprivation and transitional housing to identifying rough sleeping numbers and hotspots. It will serve as a central hub for understanding, advocacy and action.

As an example, Lower Hutt’s severe housing deprivation is higher than the Wellington region average but has declined slightly since the 2018 Census. It shows that the steps already taken to alleviate the problem are starting to have an effect but there is still plenty of work to be done.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the tool is part of Council’s commitment to transparency, compassion and evidence-based decision making.

“We know the serious impacts of homelessness, and this dashboard gives us a clearer understanding of what people are facing here in Lower Hutt. By putting this information in one place, we’re making it easier for our community and partners to take action together and make better-informed decisions.”

The initiative is part of Council’s Homelessness Strategy which at its heart is all about working together to end homelessness.

Residents can do their bit by supporting local charities, learning more through our dashboard, and treating people in the community with dignity and respect.

You can access the Homelessness and Housing Dashboard here. The dashboard will be regularly updated to ensure it remains a relevant and useful resource.

Notes to editor

Council is working in partnership with mana whenua, central government agencies, housing providers and social service organisations to implement real change in tackling homelessness.

Key local partners funded by Council to deliver homelessness services and prevention include:

• Tākiri Mai te Ata Whānau Ora
• Tuatahi Centre
• Community Law Hutt Valley