The City Mission and the Christchurch City Council have combined forces to tackle homelessness.
City Missioner Mathew Mark said awareness of homelessness issues was growing.
"Just being more visible, out on the street and in the public eye has created a conversation that is, to be fair, well overdue."
He said the council had realised a punitive approach ws not getting the right outcomes, which was why a boost in funding would help Christchurch's homeless people.
The City Mission has matched the city council's funding of $70,000 to create a social outreach service.