The Christchurch City Mission has been operating a trial homeless shelter for woman for the last three years and has now confirmed the shelter will continue permanently.
Shelter director Catherine Williamson has worked in the sector for 30 years and says there had always been a need for a women’s shelter, but the earthquakes and the destruction of cheaper accommodation, brought the issue to a head.
She said having the shelter as a permanent feature meant the Christchurch City Mission could start making long term plans.
