Make a plan

www.times.co.nz Salvos housing project in Flat Bush close to completion

By FARIDA MASTER

Arecent Salvation Army Housing report warns that the 7168 house surplus won’t solve the housing crisis.

The annual State of the Nation report said that the housing shortage is caused by unaffordable housing and low income levels.

Ameet Londhe, officer of the Salvation Army Flat Bush Corps Plant, says it is shocking to know that Auckland is changing in many ways.

“Things that we considered as one of the reason for homelessness is not the same anymore.

“We, the people living in the eastern suburbs of this beautiful city are no different to wider Auckland when it comes to the housing crisis. In fact, I would say the housing prices in east Auckland are considerably higher than most of the other suburbs in Auckland.”

And that, he points out, is mainly due to unaffordable housing when you take wages into account.

In an attempt to solve the housing crisis Salvation Army stepped up its efforts to address the growing problem by creating Those looking for safe and affordable accommodation in Flat Bush can contact the Corps Officer Lt. Ameet Londhem, right, with his wife Corps Officer Lt. Jennifer and son, Yahshua. Photo supplied

a long term solution to build 40 units on land owned by its local corps in Flat Bush.

The good news is that the new Salvation Army Social Housing (SASH) project at the corner of Chapel and Baverstock Roads in Flat Bush, funded by the Ministry of Social Development, is not far from completion.

The plan is to finish the over $15 million social housing project and open up the dwellings to house people by March 2021 says Ameet.

Salvation Army Social Housing has traditionally offered longer-term, low-rental options for those over 55. However, this has been expanded in the past few years and provides good quality housing for singles, couples, families and the elderly. The tenants pay income-related rent through the Ministry of Social Development.

Most of the dwellings in the new development are one and two bedroom units.

“These are more suitable for people over 55 years, singles or couples with a small family or elderly people. We are hoping to provide a way for the people who are falling through gaps, struggling to find a safe, suitable and affordable place to live in this beautiful community of Flat Bush,” says Ameet. ■ Those that fit the criteria and are looking for safe and affordable accommodation in Flat Bush can contact Ameet via email ameet.londhe@salvationarmy. org.nz ■ People looking to apply for the Salvation Army Socials Housing need to be registered with State Housing. Howick and Pakuranga Times, Tuesday, March 3, 2020 — 9

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He lives in Chateau Rise, Flat Bush and has been missing since February 17, 2020 PLEASE CALL 09 279 4422 OR 021 278 0886

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