Solo mum Amber says she feels blessed to be in emergency accommodation.
She was paying $350 a week to live in a garage on Auckland's North Shore while working for more than three years.
"There was no way that I could afford a private rental property," she said.
There was little room in the garage for her six children -- so 15 months ago Amber came to De Paul house.
Since then the part-time cleaner has been on a waiting list for a state house, and De Paul house says it's currently turning people away because there just isn't enough room.
"This year we've had our busiest year ever so we're averaging two to three walk-ins or calls for emergency housing a day," De Paul house manager Jan Rutledge said.
Last Saturday, The Nation revealed up to 50 were living in cars in Bruce Pullman Park in Papakura.
The Ministry of Social Development says it has since contacted those families, and is assisting many into accommodation.
Today Labour leader Andrew Little met with church leaders in Otara to discuss the issue.
Prime Minster John Key says that WINZ remains the best place to request help if in a similar situation.
Amber says she has no idea where she'd be if it wasn't for De Paul.
"De Paul has taught me, myself and my children a new direction, a new energy for life and a purpose for life," she explained tearily.
She admits it was tough to ask for help -- but says she's so thankful she did.
Newshub.
