Finding budget accommodation for beneficiaries

September 9th, 2013
by Anne Marie Cleaver

I have been trying to find Budget accommodation for my son, who is on a benefit. He is not on a benefit because he chooses to but because he has an illness. He is needing accommodation till Feb next year before his course starts in Invercargill, where he hopes to better himself as Motueka does not offer anything for the youth.

So far we have tried Caravan parks and Hotels, but either there is nothing available or these businesses won't take you if you're on a benefit. I have even tried Back Packers in Nelson - all say they don't take long term accommodation as it is needed for tourists.

It seems to me that nobody wants to know you if you're a student or if you're a local. What does it take to get a to get a roof over your head? WINZ can't help him get somewhere to live and as soon as you say the word "Benefit" they run.

He is leaving a run down Hostel of 11 rooms, where they pay $100.00 a week each and where the ad in the local paper says $90.00. The landlord doesn't give a toss about the premises nor does the landlord maintain it, while the landlord sits in his comfy home in Kaiteriteri raking in the rent in a cash method.

So we are bringing him home, to our small Bach, just so he can have a clean, safe roof over his head. Hmmm .... there is seriously something wrong with a town that does not look after its locals.

I am interested to see how many other people, if any, find accommodation for beneficiaries hard to find.

Comment by Tania O'Donnell:
[Posted 16 September 2013]

Jay Blazek, from the Youth & Community Trust Nelson, helps where possible with emergency housing for youth aged 15-20. He offers support to find and secure temporary housing; assists with transportation; helps setting goals; links with other support services.

Jay can be contacted at 260 Hardy Street, Nelson, Mobile , office , or email . He may not be able to help in all situations, but offers a service worth knowing about.

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