The Presbyterian Support Otago’s food bank and the Dunedin Night Shelter are open and working to keep people fed, clean and with a bed.
Dunedin Night Shelter Trust chairwoman Claire Curran said the shelter reopened on Saturday after a three-day closure when Alert Level 4 was announced.
There had been a steady stream of people using the facilities throughout the lockdown.
The shelter was not open during the last Level 4 lockdown due to safety concerns.
However, staff had worked to make sure safety was maintained during this lockdown.
Donations were still being accepted and were necessary to keep the shelter running, she said.
Usually the shelter received donations of food from events or restaurants, but these were not operating during Level 4.
Ms Curran was also working to organise vaccinations for users of the night shelter who would not otherwise be in a position to make an appointment.
Presbyterian Support Otago practice manager Deb Gelling said the food bank continued to support those in need with contactless delivery and pick-ups.
There were also funds available for those struggling to pay their power bill.
There had been an increase in the number of people using the service, as well as an increase in external referrals from other agencies.
The service had received food donations from organisations, including a delivery of 1200 packaged lunches from Kaan’s Catering, which were made for schools the night before lockdown was put in place.
Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner Jason Tibble said it continued to work with social services and support providers to help those in need during lockdown.
Case managers were calling Dunedin clients in emergency housing to complete welfare checks, he said.
