One of the most daunting facts about homelessness in Aotearoa is that we simply don’t know how bad it is. We have statistics from the 2018 census but the pandemic impacted employment, health and housing so much it’s impossible to know where we currently stand. One thing we do know is that there are thousands of ‘invisible’ homeless people. Those who sofa surf, find temporary solutions and remain unseen.
Over the past year The Gift Trust’s donors have supported a number of charities who work on homelessness in a variety of ways. The incredible work of such organisations as Wellington City Mission and Auckland City Mission is well known, but in this blog we’ve focussed on some less well-known charities whose work is targeting particularly vulnerable members of the community in times of transition.
E Tipu E Rea
The current housing crisis is making life hard for many New Zealand whānau, but for teen parents – who cannot legally sign a tenancy agreement until they are 18 – having nowhere to call home has been a source of stress and anxiety for years.
“They’re living in cars or sleeping on couches in really unhealthy environments”, says Cindy Kawana, who works for the Auckland kaupapa Māori teen parent support organisation E Tipu E Rea. Donors from The Gift Trust have funded the work of E Tipu E Rea over the past few years.
Cindy says the lack of secure housing creates other problems for these very vulnerable young people and their pēpi. “If you don’t have an address then you can’t get a benefit. There are lots of things you can’t get access to without an address.”
Now, E Tipu E Rea is in the process of becoming a Community Housing Provider, with plans underway to eventually build six social houses on a site in the Auckland suburb of Panmure. “We know that’s not going to be enough, but it’s really exciting to think we can get some houses – it will be a game changer”, says Cindy.
In the meantime, E Tipu E Rea has been approved as a Transitional Housing Provider which means the rangatahi and pēpi they work with will have short-term access to seven houses owned by Kainga Ora. The hope is that with the right wraparound support these transitional houses will provide a stepping stone to permanent accommodation.
The organisation now has 35 staff who work in three teams providing support focused on a child’s first 2,000 days. This ranges from midwifery and other health support to helping young parents access education and training and find employment.
With thanks to the Todd Foundation for the information above.
Manaaki Rangatahi
Manaaki Rangatahi was established in 2018 as a way of consolidating the work of different organisations who are tackling youth homelessness. Nearly 50% of those experiencing severe housing deprivation are under 25 years old. With that in mind, members of the coalition are calling for immediate and urgent action to respond to youth homelessness, including increased government support and a more effective collection of data.
Rates of severe housing deprivation are significantly higher among Pacific and Māori rangatahi when compared to other ethnicities. Rainbow and disabled youth are also particularly impacted, along with those moving from care and youth justice settings.
Bianca Johanson, Pou Arihi of Manaaki Rangatahi calls on the public to support and advocate homeless rangatahi at every level. ‘To effectively address rangatahi homelessness, we must understand its magnitude and unique aspects. We urge you to require all government agencies to collect and report data on the housing status of young individuals under their care. This data will provide invaluable insights for evidence-based policies and targeted interventions.’
Manaaki Rangatahi is a vital piece of the housing jigsaw puzzle, advocating, convening and connecting to support our most vulnerable.
https://www.facebook.com/manaakirangatahikitamaki
Te Pā
Te Pā is a kaupapa Māori organisation that responds to the needs of whānau who are either in the justice system, exiting the system, or who have returned from overseas.
Alongside numerous other types of support, Te Pā provides people who have already been released and are living in the community with access to emergency accommodation, supported accommodation and transition to sustainable, long-term accommodation.
Te Pā have a range of housing options across Auckland, extending through to Whangarei and Kaikohe in the far north. They also work with accommodation services around the country to ensure that those undergoing a transition back into society have access to housing during that time.
The Te Pā team supports whānau to lead their own change; to be positive and successful for a better future.
Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust
We have had the opportunity over the past few years to help a donor support this group who help those leaving the highly controversial religious community of Gloriavale. The trust helps Gloriavale Leavers become independent and integrate into local communities by offering compassionate support in practical, financial, spiritual, emotional and educational matters.
Offering a range of support to those reintegrating into society, the Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust offer everything from a guide to buying clothes, to finding a home and filling it with appropriate furniture, to finding work. Not an easy task for people raised, often for their whole lives, in a cashless community, wearing a uniform.
They work with social service agencies to provide advice and help suitable to each person. They help with financial support, career and educational advice, emotional and spiritual support, marriage, parenting and family support, as well as supporting those who choose to pursue accountability and justice for the harm they suffered.
https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz
Pet refuge
When you are a pet owner, leaving an unsafe home can be difficult but even harder when you are forced to choose between your safety and your beloved pet. Could you leave your pet behind to escape a violent family member?
Women’s Refuges and other emergency accommodations are largely unable to house pets – resulting in 56% of women staying in a violent home out of fear for their pet’s safety. Pet Refuge has solved this heartbreaking issue, taking in all pets who need a temporary home and care while their families seek refuge.
The Pet Refuge shelter is a purpose-designed facility that provides temporary accommodation for pets while their families escape domestic violence and enter safe housing. Once families are safe in a new pet-friendly home, Pet Refuge reunites them with their families to start a new safe life together.
The shelter houses all pets regardless of their species, breed, or size. This includes dogs, cats, birds, other small pets, equine, chickens, cows, and more. The shelter has been designed to give pets comfort and security in their home away from home. There are no wire cages, and the enclosures have underfloor heating and are specially designed to give pets a space to sleep, play, and feel secure.
As part of the Pet Refuge service, all pets also have access to veterinary care, enrichment and training, free of charge to families, to help them heal from the trauma they have endured.
Pet Refuge works with the NZ Police, Women’s Refuge, Shine, Family Action and other domestic violence agencies to assist via referrals and take self-referrals for those in need. Pet Refuge transports pets from all around New Zealand, providing a national service despite the shelter being located in wider Auckland.
The Pet Refuge shelter is a safe place for families to send their much-loved pets while they leave family violence behind; A service which changes the lives of both people and pets in need.
