As a superannuitant in rented accommodation, Albert finds things tough at times but support from Visionwest Whai Manaaki Kai has been a great help freeing up money to go towards essential living items.
Albert has been receiving home help from Visionwest Home Healthcare for many years. Recognising that he was sometimes struggling to afford enough food, Albert’s Home Healthcare Support Worker suggested a visit to Visionwest to see about getting help with a food parcel.
I’m not sure how long ago it was that I first came to Visionwest. It was when the foodbank [Pātaka Kai] was in the old green garage out the front. The first people I met were BJ and Maxine. They were so friendly. It didn’t feel like someone asking for help, I felt like I was welcomed by friends.
I’ve always been so appreciative for all the help Visionwest has given to me. That first time I came was the first time I’d ever approached anyone for anything like that, but things had got a little bit tough for me and I needed help. I’m on a pension and I try to get by on that but it can be hard.
I never go to Work and Income to ask for anything unless I really need it. One time my car broke down and I needed my mechanic to do some work on it. He gave me a WINZ quote and I went down there to get a loan that I paid back but even the staff at WINZ commented that I never come down asking for anything. I try to be independent but sometimes things get especially hard.
Albert’s life changed due to the cost of living
When asked how things are going for him now, Albert talks about inflation and the current cost-of-living. Like many people on a pension, there was a time when he could live simply but comfortably. Then, as expenses relating to basic costs of living began to climb, the struggles began. That’s when he came to Visionwest.
I still try to be independent but, over the past few years, I’ve had to come and get the odd food parcel. I’ve also been to the social supermarket a couple of times.
A lot of people who face tough times do so because of one or two unexpected events that change their lives. That’s what happened to Albert. He was a refrigeration engineer with two backup trades, panel beating and spray-painting. A crisis with his health meant he had to give these up.
His attitude, however, is still positive. He believes once things have happened, they are behind you, and you need to keep moving forward. It’s an attitude that leads to a huge appreciation for all the support Visionwest has given him and a desire to give back when he can. In the past, Albert has found items that could be of use to Visionwest whānau such as a lawnmower and chest of drawers. He’s repaired them and given them to Visionwest for passing on to whoever needs them.
Albert has also helped at least two people who were experiencing homelessness find places to live. One was a young woman he met at Visionwest’s Te Kapu free community lunch. She’d been sleeping in her car. Albert introduced her to the Community Housing team. He did the same for Fred, a busker who was living on the streets. Once again, a simple introduction to our Community Housing team and accommodation was found for him.
Albert says he does this because doing things for others is the only way he can show his appreciation for the help that’s been given to him.
All the people at Visionwest are lovely. They have soft, welcoming hearts. Many know what it’s like to be poor, they’ve come from the ground up and they’ve gone through all that the people they help have been through.
Visionwest helped me so much when I needed it and are now working with me to find a home because the rental I’m in is going to be sold. I feel secure about that because Visionwest have all the avenues and I’m all registered with MSD; we’re having a meeting next week. It makes it a lot easier for me to know that I’ve set the ball rolling … well, really, Visionwest have set it rolling and I rolling with it. It’s just that they’re marvellous. You are all so lovely people and so helpful.
Where would Albert be without Visionwest?
Albert has occasionally thought about where he’d be if it wasn’t for the support he’s received from Visionwest.
I don’t think I’d have been on the street, but I would not be doing as well as I am and that’s being honest. Let’s take Manaaki Kai, the social supermarket, as an example. Where can you go shopping, even as a single person, for just $34? If I went to the supermarket, even for the basics, it’s going to cost me $120.00. But three times a year, I can do my shopping here for just $34.
I love that supermarket. It’s ten times better than a food parcel because, while everyone does their best when packing a parcel, sometimes some of the things you get are not really of any use to you, you know. That’s not being critical, it’s just how it is. The food parcel can only contain items that they have in stock and have been given to them. But the Supermarket is great.
Albert has also been receiving help from Tracy, one of Visionwest’s financial mentors. He’s especially delighted that, while he had some credit card debt and other debt, it’s all been paid off, something he credits to the support he’s received from Money Mentors.
I think Visionwest is the greatest thing that’s ever happened in New Zealand. There should be more organisations like this; reaching out to people who genuinely need help. That’s what Visionwest is all about. You know, they’ve got a daycare centre, they’ve got social workers, they’ve got Community Coordinators … all these people who I’ve been in contact with and who have helped me just by talking on a phone … that’s the great thing about it, you know.
Albert calls Visionwest, “a very special place to be.” He says he feels loved and cared for whenever he comes to the Glendale Road site.
Everyone says hello to you, everyone smiles, nobody’s sad. They’re all happy. They love working here, doing their job.
Another service that is of huge help to Albert is Orange Sky, the free clothes washing facility that visits Visionwest every Wednesday.
I would say to anyone I met, whatever your need is, go to Visionwest. Go to the right people and get the help you need, and Visionwest are the right people. And, the great thing is, if they can’t help you, they’ll know someone who can and will direct you to them.
Read another inspirational Visionwest story.