Glbt-friendly accommodation for quake victims

Posted in: New Zealand Daily News
By GayNZ.com Daily News staff - 26th February 2011

A database of glbt-friendly accommodation available for people displaced by the Christchurch earthquake, or those needing a break from the stress and aftershocks has already attracted a number of offers.

GABA, the Gay Auckland Business Association, and OUTLineNZ have joined forces to create a database and offers of housing assistance are already flooding in through the Gay Stay network for free and subsidised short and long-term accommodation throughout New Zealand. Offers are also being welcomed from people with holiday homes or spare rooms available anywhere in the country.

The database is being compiled cooperatively by GABA and OUTLine, and both organisations will help to facilitate the appropriate placement of those in need. It will also be made available to government ministries and NGOs that are approached by families and individuals who would prefer to be placed in a glbt-friendly environment.

“The whole of New Zealand has come together to help Christchurch residents, but we recognise that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people affected by the earthquake may feel more comfortable placed within a glbt or glbt-friendly environment,” says GABA President, Glenn Sims. “We encourage anyone who needs short or long-term housing – or simply has to get away from the devastation for a few days – to get in contact.”

OUTLine has made their 0800 OUTLINE toll-free service available for people who want to access the database directly. "OUTLine volunteers will assist in coordinating the placement of Christchurch residents with appropriate accommodation – as well as just being there to talk, if that’s all that’s needed,” says OUTLine General Manager, Vaughan Meneses.

Anyone with offers of accommodation should email president@gaba.org.nz or outlinenz@outlinenz.com