Youth Housing
Lifewise’s Youth Housing service provides safe housing and support for youth who don’t have a safe or stable place to live. We prepare our rangatahi for adulthood.
This service is for 16-24-year-olds who either are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or have a serious housing need.
The service encourages self-sufficiency by using the positive youth development approach. Resident youths receive opportunities to exercise leadership, build key skills and get involved in their communities.
There is a communal youth space on-site. Lifewise social workers work alongside residents, helping them to create their own independent living plans. Resident youths are encouraged to identify individual goals including independent living skills, education, employment, and securing permanent housing.
Residents are required to pay 25% of their income in rent. This not only helps them learn budgeting skills (how to save money for housing expenses) but also establishes a rental payment history to assist them in obtaining permanent housing upon program graduation.
Youth who feel ready to exit the service are also offered ongoing support to help them reinforce skills, encourage further success, and to ensure they can access stable, long-term housing.
Lifewise and Airedale Property Trust run this West Auckland-based service together.
Residents receive support to take on responsibilities, like growing their own veges in the communal garden