For Rachel, life had become overwhelming. She was trying to navigate a tenancy situation she had never faced before, while also carrying the pressure of finding somewhere to live and still paying rent elsewhere.
I didnโt know anything about it. It was very, very stressful, and it was a struggle to go through all of that.
After going to Citizens Advice Bureau for help, Rachel was referred to Visionwest. There she met kaimahi who helped her understand the process, gather paperwork, organise emails, photocopy documents, and prepare for what came next. The practical support made an immediate difference.
They were able to sit me down and say, โOkay, this is what youโre going to need.’ They put me on the right track.
For Rachel, it was not only the access to information and navigation through the process, but especially the way she was treated that was so significant.
Because it was such a stressful time, they just made me feel so at ease and so calm. It was amazing.
She describes the team as โbeautiful, beautiful peopleโ who quickly became โjust like family.โ
The Visionwest Pฤtakฤ and Manaaki Kai social supermarket also eased the pressure from rising food, petrol, and living costs, helping her care for her child.
Itโs just a great little gift to take home and be able to not have to worry so much about buying food from the supermarket, or putting gas in the car to get my child to school.
The social supermarket model meant that Rachel could select the items best for her and her whฤnau.
You know what your family is going to eat and what theyโre not. To be able to choose your own foodโฆ makes a big difference.
Looking back, Rachel sees a clear before and after.
Before it was really difficult. And now, just having the support from Visionwest is a big change. Big change.
Alongside kai and tenancy support, she found encouragement, friendship, and people with โso much heart.โ
Today, Rachel looks at her future with hope and purpose, supporting her son into intermediate school and preparing to return to work after surgery.
The people here have helped me for this whole year with everything, from food to just having somebody to talk to. Itโs been great.
Visionwest Whai Manaaki Kai (Food Support)
We understand that many whฤnau find themselves financially stretched at times. At Whai Manaaki Kai, our goal is to facilitate a shared journey of connection and support that leads to sustainable food access for all.
Pฤtaka Kai is our free food parcel service supporting families and individuals who find themselves in need of kai.
Manaaki Kai is our low-cost social supermarket which enables shoppers choose food thatโs right for their whฤnau.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VISIONWEST WHAI MANAAKI KAI
