Homelessness is seen as a big city problem, but it's becoming increasingly common in New Zealand's smaller urban centres.
One community is tackling the issue themselves.
Rough sleepers in Whangarei say they needed a day drop-in centre, Open Arms, so much that they've been chipping in to help get it ready.
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Over 50 volunteers stayed up all night preparing.
Local Bikie, Brian Pullman says, "The men have put their bloody hard yards in".
Open Arms co-founders Carol Peters and Carrie Kake have been putting in the hard yards for more than 20 years.
"Recently things have actually gotten quite difficult," says Ms Peters.
She says there are a lot of people right on the edge of homelessness in Whangarei.
"People living in crowded situations, two or three families to a home, and all you need is some sort of upset either in a car or living rough."
With some Government funding, the community saw the need for a day centre and made it happen. Now anyone can drop in and use the facilities.
It's more than just a place to hang out. Locals without permanent accommodation can register their address to the drop-in centre until a permanent home is found.
Volunteer Gwynne Williams knows what it's like to sleep rough. He slept in a doorway for three months. He says it was cold and lonely.
Mr Williams says simply having a place to wash and have a cup of tea is a big deal.
"Mate, it should have been done years ago."
Local MP Kelvin Davis says Carol Peters is a legend for the work she does.
"Everyone has a right to have a roof over their head, to have shelter, to have warmth, and where that's not happening you have someone like Carol Peters step up and lead this. You've just got to give credit to her."
Even in New Zealand's smaller cities homelessness is big problem. More than 20 people were found to be sleeping under one bridge in Whangarei.
For Ms Peters, even "one person homeless is actually too many".
Open Arms is now ready to assist the community. Ms Peters hopes to start finding housing for those in need of permanent accommodation through the day centre with the help of other government and community organisations.
Her next mission is a night shelter.
Newshub.
