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Age Concern Rotorua sees first hand the desperation of many retirees and elderly trying to survive on superannuation, and their struggle to afford rent and groceries.
The charity has commissioned the building of three tiny homes to be situated on some land the organisation owns, and it recently held a ballot for elderly people in dire need of an affordable home.
Demand well exceeded supply. Manager Rory O'Rourke says some people are spending long spells staying with whanau in crowded homes, or living in emergency housing, and in the more extreme cases living in cars and vans.
Kathryn talks Rory O'Rourke about what's driving the need and also to to one of the successful Tiny House applicants, 81 year old Warwick Pryce, and to Frank Bailey who missed out.
Plan for Age Concern Rotorua pocket neighbourhood with three tiny homes Photo: supplied by Rory O'Rourke, Age Concern Rotorua