Emergency Housing – What to Do When You Have Nowhere Safe to Stay
If you suddenly have nowhere safe to stay — because of eviction, violence, unsafe conditions, or a crisis — you may qualify for Emergency Housing through Work and Income (WINZ). This support provides short‑term accommodation while you work on finding a more stable place to live.
This guide explains who can get Emergency Housing, how to apply, what to expect, and what to do if you’re turned away.
What Emergency Housing Is
Emergency Housing is short‑term accommodation paid for by WINZ when:
- you have nowhere safe to stay
- you cannot find suitable housing yourself
- you need immediate help while looking for longer‑term housing
It is usually a motel or similar temporary accommodation.
Who Can Get Emergency Housing
You may qualify if:
- you are homeless or about to become homeless
- your current home is unsafe (violence, threats, severe health risks)
- you’ve been evicted or locked out
- your landlord refuses urgent repairs that make the home unlivable
- you cannot stay with friends or whānau safely
WINZ will look at:
- your income
- your savings
- your housing situation
- your safety
- your ability to find other accommodation
If you’re in danger or fleeing violence, tell WINZ immediately — this changes how they assess your situation.
How to Apply
You can apply by:
- calling WINZ on 0800 559 009
- visiting your local WINZ office
- asking a support worker, advocate, or Community Law to help you
Tell them clearly:
- “I have nowhere safe to stay tonight.”
- “I need Emergency Housing.”
WINZ must assess you the same day.
What WINZ Will Ask You
WINZ may ask about:
- why you can’t stay where you are
- whether you have friends or whānau you can stay with
- your income and savings
- any safety concerns
- any health issues
- your efforts to find housing
If you’re unsafe, stressed, or overwhelmed, you can say:
- “I’m not able to explain everything right now. I just need somewhere safe to stay tonight.”
What Happens After You Apply
If approved, WINZ will:
- arrange a motel or temporary accommodation
- pay the provider directly
- give you instructions about next steps
- ask you to keep looking for long‑term housing
You may need to check in regularly with WINZ.
If WINZ Says No
If you’re turned down, you can:
- ask for a Review of Decision
- ask to speak to a supervisor
- get help from Community Law or an advocate
- explain any safety risks again
- provide more evidence if needed
If you are unsafe, keep repeating:
- “I cannot return to that address. It is not safe.”
Your Responsibilities While in Emergency Housing
WINZ may ask you to:
- attend housing appointments
- apply for rentals
- stay in touch with your case manager
- follow motel rules
If you have barriers (health, disability, transport, safety), tell WINZ — they must take this into account.
If You’re Fleeing Violence
If you’re escaping violence, you may also qualify for:
- Special Needs Grants
- Temporary Accommodation Assistance
- Protection orders
- Support from family violence services
Tell WINZ if you are unsafe — they must prioritise your safety.
What to Say When You Call WINZ
You can use this script:
- “I have nowhere safe to stay tonight.”
- “I need Emergency Housing.”
- “I cannot stay with friends or family.”
- “I need help urgently.”
Copy and Paste This Email
Subject: Request for Emergency Housing Support
Kia ora,
I urgently need help with Emergency Housing. I have nowhere safe to stay and need assistance today.
My situation is: [brief description of what has happened]
Please let me know what information you need from me and what the next steps are.
Ngā mihi, [Your Name]
