The Mission offers supported transitional housing for adults through our Pā in Wellington, Petone, and Tītahi Bay. However, we’ve found that there’s also an ever-growing need for housing support for young people, with very limited opportunities available.
Here is what Youth Practice Lead, Cilla, has to say about what The Mission is doing in the space.
“Young people experiencing homelessness often have nowhere to go because they have a really difficult relationship with their family, sometimes no relationship at all, or they are transitioning out of government care.
“On top of any personal struggles they may be having like trauma, mental health issues, or addictions, they aren’t used to advocating for themselves, and can be more reluctant to ask for support. Youth homelessness also tends to be a bit ‘invisible’, because while some do sleep rough, most are couch surfing or staying in other unsafe environments.
“Whatever’s going on for someone, they’re at a point where they’re unable to move into their own place and begin to lead a healthy fulfilling life. So our vision for Whakamaru’s residents is that, more than having a roof over their heads, they start to feel safety and belonging, contribute to our community, and believe that they are worthy of having a good life. Then, in a year or so, be able to transition to a positive independent living situation of their choice.
“To get there, they’re needing some awhi (care), professional support like counselling, or opportunities to add a few life skills to their kete. If we can do the early intervention and help them get on their feet, it can set them up for life and help avoid potential negative pathways in future.
“Critical for this to happen is that our residents buy into being a part of a community and growing together. And for people to feel that belonging, they need to have a positive relationship first. That’s a brave step for a lot of our residents because many of them have been let down by important people in their lives. Here they have the support of our incredible Youth Workers every day, and wider Mission Kaitiaki 24/7.
“Giving our young people such a new and bright place at Whakamaru also lets them know that they’re worth it. From the moment someone moves in, they are shown that they deserve to live in a good place, and that the community around them loves and cares for them; they also feel safe. They have their own room, with a bathroom and kitchenette, which no one else can access. That means a lot to someone who’s come from unsafe living circumstances, and it gives them the space to build on other areas in their life.
“There are a whole lot of circumstances that lead a young person to be without a home, and this is a challenge our whole community needs to solve. Whakamaru is a beautiful picture of what community can look like. It’s amazing that The Mission has donors and volunteers, who happily give what they can so that young people can have choices and hope. By giving someone an alternative to what’s come before, there’s hope that life can be different.”
To donate to The Mission, and to support important mahi like Cilla’s, follow this link:
