Study Reveals Emergency Housing Crisis for Disabled Individuals

A recent study from the University of Otago highlights a troubling trend in emergency housing for individuals with disabilities in New Zealand. Published in the International Journal on Homelessness, the research indicates that from 2016 to 2022, people with disabilities used emergency housing 6% more frequently and stayed for 5% longer than those without disabilities.

Dr Chang Yu, a research fellow involved in the study, pointed out that emergency housing, designed for short-term stays, has often turned into long-term solutions for many families and individuals. On average, those in emergency housing now reside there for three to six months, with some enduring stays of up to three years.

Challenges of Accessibility in Housing

One of the critical findings of the study is the specific needs of individuals with mobility issues. Dr Yu emphasized that these individuals require particular physical designs and layouts in their living spaces, which significantly limits their options in the rental market.

The study relied on data from Stats NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure, encompassing 65,000 individuals in emergency housing, including 6,800 with disabilities. It revealed that the average income for disabled individuals in emergency housing stands at $22,519, contrasted with $28,193 for the general population in emergency housing. This income disparity highlights a significant issue; the average rental property in New Zealand costs approximately $29,000 annually.

Dr Yu stated, “It is clear that people with disabilities are being priced out of most of the rental market.”

Chris Ford, a policy adviser for the Disabled Persons Assembly, shared his personal experience, having spent around 11 months in a Kaikorai Valley motel during 2020 and 2021 before securing an accessible home through Kainga Ora in South Dunedin. “The findings don’t surprise me from either an individual personal standpoint or from my role as a policy adviser,” he noted.

Despite being employed, Ford found that his income was insufficient to cover private market rental rates. He recounted an instance where he attempted to rent a property, but the quoted rent of $450 per week was beyond his means. He added, “I couldn’t cover that and I wasn’t eligible for any work and income-related additional assistance,” underscoring the challenges many face in securing affordable housing.

Calls for Policy Changes

In light of these findings, Ford advocates for rent caps and other market interventions to ensure that disabled individuals can access affordable accommodation. He reiterated the necessity of increasing the stock of accessible public and community sector properties.

The Disabled Persons Assembly expressed disappointment over recent government decisions to scale back developments through Kainga Ora, particularly in Dunedin. Ford highlighted the ongoing need for more public and social housing to meet the existing demand.

“We are very disappointed in the government’s decisions to scale back on developments via Kainga Ora, including here in Dunedin,” he stated. Despite some success in persuading the Dunedin City Council to construct community housing that meets universal design standards, Ford pointed out a lack of new projects in their latest long-term plan.

“There is still a great deal of homelessness, and a disproportionate number of that homeless cohort are disabled people, sadly,” he concluded.

The findings of this study underline the urgent need for systemic changes in housing policy and support for disabled individuals, ensuring they are not marginalized in the quest for stable and affordable accommodation.