The Dunedin Night Shelter Trust was established in 2004 and has been running Dunedin’s only night shelter facility since 2006. In 2012 the Trust expanded its services with the introduction of the Phoenix Lodge transitional housing programme, based in a separate building on the same site as the Night Shelter.
There is no doubt that there are people facing a housing emergency in Dunedin every day and night. Regardless of circumstances, these people have two things in common: they have run out of options and their needs are urgent.
The Dunedin Night Shelter is located at 18 Lees Street, Dunedin, offering free emergency accommodation to anyone in need. The Shelter is open every night from 6pm to 9am.
The Shelter provides dinner, breakfast and a warm, dry bed for those who have nowhere else to turn. In addition clients are able to wash clothes, and are provided with advice and assistance in finding accommodation and ensuring they are receiving all appropriate benefits. Clients are generally able to stay at the Shelter for a maximum of five nights although discretion is used depending on individual circumstances. Our aim is to encourage and assist self-responsibility. As well as providing support to those who would fit a definition of what we traditionally think of as ‘homeless’ the Shelter also regularly assists people who have suffered a life shock such as loss of job or relationship break up and need a hand to get back on their feet.