News: Those Who Count

Last Monday’s homelessness census, undertaken by Auckland Council, was the first for Auckland and the first of its scale for Aotearoa. The Census required a large amount of manpower, 900 people and 5 auckland-wide organisations. volunteers involved were briefed on protocol as to how to approach a task of this calibre. For the protection of surveyors and participants alike, this protocol was strict. No photos. No going solo. No Facebook posts.

Originally announced by Mayor Phil Goff in June, this survey will have several implications. For starters, it will put into figures what front line workers such as the City Mission have been witnessing for a long time. Hard data like this will be an invaluable weapon for many moving forward in solving Auckland’s homelessness crisis.

The results of this count will be released next month. Due to the qualitative nature of the survey, the homeless involved will be represented by more than just a statistic. Their stories will form a foundation of information regarding what resources are required, where they are needed the most, and how they could be distributed.