Homeless Individuals Evicted from Christchurch Church Grounds

A group of approximately ten homeless individuals has been forced to leave the grounds of Holy Trinity Avonside in Christchurch, following an abatement notice issued by the Christchurch City Council. This decision stems from complaints lodged with the council in December 2022, prompting action to cease the use of the church’s car park as a campground.

By the afternoon of the eviction date, community worker Iain MacInnes reported that most, if not all, of the group had vacated the premises. “They’ve moved without any problems at all,” he noted. MacInnes, who has been involved in supporting the homeless community, expressed his heartbreak over the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by these individuals in finding safe accommodation.

Challenges in Housing Stability

The eviction underscores a significant concern regarding the lack of safe housing options for vulnerable populations, particularly women and members of the rainbow community. MacInnes emphasized the complexity of the situation, stating, “It’s heart-breaking because there’s no way for us to signpost them to say, ‘This is a good, safe place.'”

Holy Trinity Avonside had previously acted as an intermediary between the homeless group and various support agencies, including Comcare, Housing First, and the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust. While the church’s involvement facilitated some connections to resources, the reality remains that securing stable housing is not an immediate process. “These things take time,” MacInnes remarked, although he noted that the individuals are now back on the housing register.

Despite immediate support efforts, the future for those displaced remains uncertain. MacInnes expressed concern about the lack of available options, stating, “There are not very many specific places and those that have already been inhabited.” An alternative location was considered, but local residents expressed their desire for no additional individuals to converge on that area.

Future Prospects and Community Support

In an effort to address these ongoing challenges, plans are underway to establish a new charitable trust, Te Puna Ora, by mid-2026. This initiative aims to facilitate re-engagement with the homeless community, contingent upon obtaining necessary funding.

A spokesperson for the Christchurch City Council confirmed that the abatement notice had been extended to allow additional time for alternative housing arrangements. They acknowledged ongoing collaboration with social service agencies, including the City Mission, to support those affected by the eviction.

“The council has not directed where people leaving the site should go. Our focus is to support social service agencies in finding safe accommodation and support options for those affected,” the spokesperson stated. They also emphasized the need for a comprehensive city-wide strategy to address homelessness, noting that community providers are in the early stages of planning such initiatives.

As the situation evolves, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions for those affected by the eviction, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe and stable housing.