transitional housing

transitional housing is temporary accommodation for individuals or whānau who have nowhere else to stay

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what transitional housing is

Transitional housing gives people a safe place to live while they work towards securing long-term housing, along with support services to help people find and move into long-term housing.

Transitional housing is managed by providers contracted by, or on behalf of, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. They are experienced in tenancy support and helping people transition to permanent housing.

transitional housing verses emergency housing.

When a young person comes to us for help, the first step is to try and connect them with a transitional housing provider. If no placements are available, you’ll support them to apply for an emergency housing grant.

to find out what’s available in your area:

who transitional housing is for

There are many reasons a young person might need transitional housing, including:

  • living in emergency housing
  • changes in family or living circumstances

Regardless of the reason, young people in transitional housing will be supported to find a more permanent place to live.

transitional housing assessment

Before a young person can move in, transitional housing providers will complete an assessment to make sure their facility is right for the young person. During the assessment, providers may ask about:

  • family makeup and affiliations
  • health conditions
  • accessibility or support needs.

This means placement might not happen on the same day as the referral. If urgent housing is needed, emergency housing may be required while the transitional housing assessment is completed.

what you need to do

There are two ways you can refer a young person to transitional housing. You can do it through MSD by submitting an ART task, or you can do it directly with the provider.

referral in art

Step one – Talk with the young person

  • Make sure the young person’s contact details are current, and let them know the provider will call to complete an assessment.
  • The young person will need to complete and sign the transitional housing consent form.

Step two – Complete the ART task
Task category: Emergency Housing
Task type: Transitional housing 

Make sure to:

  • clearly outline the young person’s needs so that they can be matched with the right provider
  • include any health, safety, or security risks
  • upload the signed transitional housing consent form

Next steps
The Youth Services Support Unit will:

  • check transitional housing availability
  • send the referral to the appropriate provider, and
  • notify you of the outcome.

self-referral (direct to provider)

Step one – Talk with the young person

  • Make sure the young person’s contact details are current, and let them know the provider will likely call to complete an assessment.
  • The young person will need to complete and sign the transitional housing consent form.

Step two – Contact the provider
When you meet with them you’ll:

  • ask if they currently have available placements
  • go over their intake criteria 
  • confirm if they will accept a referral

If accepted, the transitional housing provider will manage the referral process.

when the young person gets placed

Each provider sets their own house rules. These will be explained when the young person moves in.
Transitional housing is not covered under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. If a young person breaks the rules or puts others at risk, they may be asked to leave.

paying for transitional housing

Young people in transitional housing pay up to 25% of their income as rent. This is similar to what is paid in public or emergency housing. The remainder of the housing costs are covered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

ongoing support and working together

Transitional housing providers are responsible for supporting young people into long-term housing. Ask the provider what support they offer and explain what support you can continue to provide.