Integrated housing data across the system would enable better responses

When people apply for wide support their housing situation is not recorded 

It is vital that when people seek support across income, employment, kai, family violence, disability and financial/budgeting, their housing situation is recorded. By understanding their housing situation, a more informed and tailored response to their need can be delivered. This data is also essential to understanding the impact that housing insecurity and homelessness have on triggering wider social needs and support.   

The current government’s commitment to a social impact approach requires an associated commitment to embedding consistent data collection and monitoring for all key determinants of wellbeing and social outcomes across key Government departments (i.e., Health, Housing, Education, Employment, Justice, OT, and Police). Housing is a key determinant of wellbeing; therefore, it must be included as a key data point and measured by all main government departments.  

When housing data is integrated across the entire system, it enables a more informed and effective social impact approach. With better data, we can understand the true scope and nature of the problem to then target resources effectively, design appropriate interventions that work, measure the impact, and coordinate across government and social systems for greater social return on investment.

Data source: OIA declines from Ministry of Social Development.