Research showing a 25% spike in homelessness in New Zealand since 2006 mirrors the homelessness situation in Dunedin, Family Works Presbyterian Support Otago says.
At least one in every 100 New Zealanders were homeless at the time of the 2013 census, compared with one in 120 in the 2006 census, University of Otago, Wellington (UOW) research released yesterday revealed.
Figures from the latest census show 41,705 people were deemed to be severely housing deprived (homeless as defined by Statistics New Zealand).
Severe housing living situations included living without habitable accommodation, living in a hotel or motel and living as a temporary resident in a crowded private house.
Family Works Presbyterian Support Otago director Paul Hooper said the findings were a "fair representation'' of the Dunedin housing problem.
In May, the service had 12 referrals (individuals and families), 75% of which were cases of people living in severely crowded private housing, he said.
In the same month, the service had two referrals for people living in boarding houses and one for someone living in a car.
The service did not have anyone on their books at the moment who was "living rough''.
Study researcher Dr Kate Amore said the problem of homelessness was growing.
"People have really needed affordable housing for a long time but these statistics show it is getting worse.''
If Government action was not taken, the crisis was likely to increase, she said.
"The Government needs to develop a comprehensive housing strategy that recognises the fundamental importance of good quality, low-cost homes.''
In statements responding to the study, the Labour Party and the Green Party both blamed the jump in homelessness on the Government.
Green MP Marama Davidson said the research confirmed the Government's response to the issue was not working.
"We see examples of its failure every day on the streets and in our neighbourhoods.
"This research confirms that.''
The University of Otago, Wellington will release a study on emergency housing providers in three weeks.
