Ashton has come through some tough challenges and struggles.
He recounts the feeling of reaching a key point of realisation:
I was sick of it all… I was tired of staying with my mum. I was tired of staying with friends. I was tired of sleeping out of my van and then out of my van I needed a change and a good change.
Still, asking for help was hard.
I was so stubborn, like I would never ask for help from anyone.
Having his son stay with him in those tough times was a real motivation for Ashton. “He was like my drive to better myself as a father, as a papa for my babies.”
A recommendation from some mates put Ashton in touch with Visionwest who provided stable, secure, and safe housing. That meant everything for Ashton and his tamariki.
I felt like I can call somewhere home… A home for my kids that they can come to and feel safe.
In addition to housing, other Visionwest services rounded out the care.
The support with the Manaaki Kai and the Pฤtaka Kaiโฆ has been a big help.
Through it all was his support navigator, Rob. As Ashton recalls, โhe just heard my story, and I just felt like he wanted to help me. I felt comfortable talking to him. Even though I didn’t know him from a bar of soap.โ
For Ashton, itโs not only been a story of housing, but self-discovery, standing up in his own mana.
Itโs just been an amazing journey so far… Getting my kids back home and teaching them or learning with them… what our whakapapa and our whenua and all of that means to us.
Today, Ashton holds his identity as a dad with an inspiring mix of confidence.
I am a good father. I see it. I see it. And Iโm growing every day.
Visionwest Housing Services
For almost 20 years, Visionwest Housing has provided safe, warm and quality rental homes, alongside support to help people and whฤnau thrive.
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