Youth
Housing

Lifewise Youth Housing Service Tamaki Makaurau provides housing and wrap around support for rangatahi who do not have a safe or stable place to live. We prepare our rangatahi for adulthood with support at each step.

Email Address

youthhousing@lifewise.org.nz

Phone Number

09 302 5390

View Locations

Young people are at the heart of our service

This service provides short-term temporary housing for up to 12 months stay for 16-24 year-olds who are either homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or have a serious housing need. If you are in this situation or know of someone who is, please contact us: youthhousing@lifewise.org.nz.

We walk alongside our rangatahi

Rangatahi in our service live independently in self-contained units across Central, South and West Auckland. Lifewise youth development workers walk alongside rangatahi to achieve individual goals for independent living, education, employment, and securing permanent housing.

Once rangatahi have graduated from the service they have access to 12 weeks aftercare support from their youth development worker.

Independence is the goal

We encourage and support the development of independent living skills by using rangatahi-focussed approaches that allows them to thrive and reach their goals.

Rangatahi in our service have opportunity to engage in regular Lifewise youth housing community activities and events to strengthen connections with their peers, whānau, and community.

We grow self-responsibility

Rangatahi pay 25% of their income for rent and additional payment for utility costs (power & water). This supports rangatahi to develop budgeting skills and provides a rental payment history to help with future applications for permanent housing when they graduate from the service.

Airdale Property Trust plays a unique role

Lifewise and Airedale Property Trust work together to support rangatahi in the youth housing service. They often provide the first official tenancy a rangatahi has ever had.

Ongoing support is vital in supporting rangatahi to sustain their tenancy until they move into permanent accommodation. We’ve designed our approach to equip people for future success. Principles include:

Nurturing effective working relationships between rangatahi, property managers and landlords
Providing education around tenants’ rights and tenant responsibilities
Separating the roles of property manager and youth development workers

Our service meets the unique needs of rangatahi

Rangatahi facing homelessness have very different needs to adults because the causes, course and consequences of their situations are so different.

We grow self-responsibility

Rangatahi bring less experience of living independently. They may not have any experience dealing with property managers, landlords, paying their rent or managing a household. Therefore, we prioritise teaching rangatahi about matters such as resident’s rights and tenant responsibilities.

Rangatahi face particular barriers when they’re looking for accommodation. Some experience considerable discrimination when they’re seeking housing, accessing services and employment while they are homeless.

Developmental changes affect the journey

Rangatahi and young adults go through significant developmental changes including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social. These changes influence decision-making ability.

Age differences matter a lot. There is a huge difference in the needs and development of a 14-year-old compared to an 18-year-old or a 23-year-old.
Developmental changes affect relationships and organisational ability. For rangatahi, dealing with property managers, landlords or managing a household budget can seem harder than it does for adults.

Hope ignited for Rangatahi with Youth Development Courses

Mahi Development Youth Courses (MDYC), brings great pride. MDYC is an initiative aimed at providing support and development opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness.

Co-designed by rangatahi (youth) and kaimahi (youth workers) from Lifewise Youth Housing Service, MDYC is a whānau-led project that prioritises the empowerment of young people and their whānau.

Mahi Development Youth Courses provides a platform for our rangatahi to connect with support services, pursue their dreams, and build a pathway to self-improvement. This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the resilience of our youth. By uniting rangatahi, whānau, and the wider community, MDYC aims to create a culture of support and care for our youth as they navigate through life’s challenges.