Information for Hosts - Christchurch Temporary Accommodation

Firstly, a huge thank you to all those who have opened up their homes and hearts to those affected by such a devastating quake. Please remember to tell everyone you know to register on QuakeEscape.org.nz if they are able to take someone in so that we are sure to have enough temporary accommodation for those that end up needing it.

Now, some tips for those who have made offers, and especially those that now have guests staying or on their way:

Things you might do after your guests arrive:

1. Don't be afraid to ask for their address and some form of identification, you have a right to know for sure who you have staying (We'll put these on our Guest Registration Form on Quake Escape so it's not awkward for you to ask).
2. Do have a discussion at the earliest appropriate time to set out any ground rules and the duration of their stay - don't leave the term of their stay open ended
3. Your guests may want a little time to themselves to organise their thoughts now that they are in a safe and secure place, so be sure to give them some breathing room if they need it.
4. Once they have started to settle in do what you can to familiarize them with their surroundings, locations of recreation and public services (e.g. parks, malls, public transport etc)

We will also be setting up a page on QuakeEscape to register your guests that arrive. This will help us know who has ended up where, and those details can be passed on to the right agencies and organisations for the further support (financial or otherwise) that they will be providing.

What to do if you think your guest is not from Christchurch?

It is disturbing, but there is a small percentage of people that might take advantage of the situation to freeload off others - this is something that even the authorities have difficulty with. The chances are remote, but if you suspect this is the case here are some suggestions:

1. Use common sense - one would hope they could spot a freeloader by their actions and attitude.
2. Have a look on www.whitepages.co.nz and see if the name on their ID matches up to the address they gave in Christchurch.
3. Ask if they have any membership cards, shop reciepts, parking tickets etc in their wallet or car - these will have Christchuch addresses or organisations printed on them.
4. If their address is on Google Streetview then try to match the description of their property (e.g. house & roof colour) to what's on streetview
5. If they don't have their wallet (i.e. they lost everything except the shirt on their back) then they will have been through a welfare centre in Christchurch and have the forms to prove it. If they claim to have no ID or paperwork at all then be very suspicious.
6. If you believe that your guest is not genuine then call the police immediately

Remember, fraud is a serious offence and the guy who freeloaded during the "Napier Siege" ended up with a jail sentence for his efforts.