Bay of Plenty residents are making their concerns about homelessness clear.

On Monday, around 50 people took to the streets in Rotorua, issuing a call for a night shelter to help the homeless community.

A number of councillors, including Rotorua Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson and Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait along with Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey and members of Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue, which empowers whanau, were at the council to meet and listen to concerns raised by hikoi participants.

Tamati says the government is committed to addressing homelessness in Rotorua.

'Make no mistake - our goal is to not just manage homelessness, but to end it. We are prioritising long-term solutions. Housing First offers individually tailored support plans to help Kiwis in need get into homes quickly, stay housed and live better lives.”

The Housing First model aims to support people faced with chronic homelessness by getting them in to stable accommodation first and then addressing their wider needs.

A proposal for the model to be funded in Rotorua has been put to the Ministry of Social Development by Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue with support from homelessness experienced-services, Lifewise and Link People.

The council is working with Te Taumata and has advocated to the Ministry of Social Development, which is responsible for emergency housing and social housing, in support of the proposal.

Norma Sturley of Te Taumata and a kuia (elder) of Ngati Whakaue, says the hikoi supporters presented a solution and a possible answer.

Their advice for a night shelter will be explored by the council and Te Taumata.

"We're going to do our darndest to help them with a short term solution. Keeping them warm in the winter and stopping them from freezing in the cold. There were a few of them concerned about the cold and our heart goes out to them,” says Norma.

Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, who oversees the council's people's portfolio, says it was evident from this morning's event that people are passionate about addressing homelessness.

'It was clear that there is a hope for a short-term solution. But still we don't want to lose sight that we want to help get our homeless community off the streets, altogether. We need to look for a long-term solution. They made a very passionate plea to the council to do what we can to help them.”

The council is working with groups and individuals with expertise in homelessness to see how its contribution can support a collective approach to addressing the issue.

More about the Rotorua Lakes Council's aim to support efforts to address homelessness can be read here.