In March 2018, there were at least 41,600 people experiencing severe housing deprivation in New Zealand* and housing agencies suggest this figure is now much higher. Visionwest Community Housing receives calls from people like Hola every day. As she explains:
“Since that initial contact, Visionwest has played a huge part in my life. At that time, I had two young children and was pregnant with my third. Then, over the past two years, I went through a tough time and my children weren’t able to live with me. This was one of the hardest times in my life.
Rachael, my Visionwest Support Navigator, was a great help to me. I was supported through every step; every meeting with the various agencies I had to deal with, through finding appropriate legal support, and through encouraging me to engage with other services that supported me with parenting, trauma counselling and everyday life-skills.
My children are now back home and are so happy. They enjoy going to school and spending time at home, especially our family days out on Sundays.
I love my life now. I see Rachael every week and enjoy our check ins. I’m also engaged with Faye in counselling. Life is just great for me and my whānau and I speak for myself and all my family when I say that we are so grateful and thankful for the support given to us by Visionwest. The hope given to us has seen our lives transformed.”
Your generosity means Hola and her family are able to receive the support they need to navigate their pathway to a transformed life. Her children now have the stability of a family home and are enrolled in local schools, while the family enjoys the security of being in a community they can call their own.
Thank you for being such an important part of Hola’s story through your support of Visionwest.
*Ministry Housing and Urban Development 2018 Severe Housing Deprivation Estimate report
Meeting the needs of people who come to Visionwest for help with compassion, dignity, and manaakitanga is our top priority. We understand it is a great privilege when someone shares the story of their personal journey with us, so always seek their permission before sharing their story with others.
Click here to find out more about Visionwest Community Housing.