The poster boy for Christchurch homelessness

The media seem to have finally found a homeless person in Christchurch, to photo and highlight. The Press reports:

After nine months living in a tent in a burnt-out, red-zoned home, a Christchurch man believes those facing homelessness should become squatters rather than live in a car.

So is this man homeless because of the earthquake and the lack of accommodation?

The unemployment beneficiary and father of two moved into a garage last month to be closer to his children …

Michael, who has a string of convictions, said he had faced homelessness several times …

There is no doubt that there are housing pressures in Christchurch. When you lose several thousand houses, it is inevitable. But I’m not sure Michael is a great poster boy for the situation.