https://wellington.gen.nz/downtown-community-ministry Downtown Community Ministry newsitems https://mailchi.mp/7306c455cf6e/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10985949 Ngā Kōrero – DCM's Resident Poet Ngā Kōrero – DCM's Resident Poet communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact John Howell: Our Resident Poet John Howell is a treasured person among our DCM community. religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/7306c455cf6e/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10985949 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-07-29T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/5141b0dd2746/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10985513 Ngā Kōrero – An Update from our Manahautū Ngā Kōrero – An Update from our Manahautū communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Healthcare and Homelessness: A Conversation with Nurse Alex ‘Their homelessness doesn’t go away when they’re in hospital, you know? It doesn’t go away. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/5141b0dd2746/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10985513 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-06-29T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10984879 Ngā Kōrero – A Day in the Life of Our Outreach Team Ngā Kōrero – A Day in the Life of Our Outreach Team communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Day in the Life of Our Outreach Team Kia ora koutou, Rachel here, from the DCM Pūrongo (communications and fundraising) team. religiousgroups communitygroups Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10984879 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-05-24T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10984465 Ngā Kōrero – Courtney's Story: 'I just feel like I was meant to land here' Ngā Kōrero – Courtney's Story: 'I just feel like I was meant to land here' communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Courtney's Story: 'I just feel like I was meant to land here. religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10984465 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-04-29T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10983780 Ngā Kōrero – March in a Nutshell: Kōrero and Community Ngā Kōrero – March in a Nutshell: Kōrero and Community communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact March in a Nutshell: Kōrero and Community I think our Wellington community, and likely those from across the motu, can agree that it’s been a big month. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10983780 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-03-23T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10983162 Ngā Kōrero – DCM Centre Stage Ngā Kōrero – DCM Centre Stage communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Portraits with Mana Kahikatea, our main meeting room, sits on the second floor of the DCM whare. religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10983162 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-02-18T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10982751 Ngā Kōrero – Real Change Happens When We Work Together Ngā Kōrero – Real Change Happens When We Work Together communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Real Change Happens When We Work Together It would be easy to look at DCM and wonder how we manage to do everything that we do, the need is great and there are only so many hours in the day. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10982751 Downtown Community Ministry 2026-01-22T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10982263 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Message from our Manahautū The end of the year is upon us – and what a year it has been! When I sat down to write this December mailer, my first thought was to compare where things were at the start of the year with where we are now. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10982263 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-12-18T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10981642 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact "I've Found My Spot, Right Here. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10981642 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-11-13T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10980881 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact From Frontline to Top Job DCM has a new CEO, but it’s a very familiar face. religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10980881 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-10-08T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10979855 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Finding The Ones Who Understand I shouldn’t even be here, but I am. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10979855 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-09-04T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10979672 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Te Aro Health At DCM: A Partnership Making A Difference Four mornings a week, nurses from Te Aro Health Centre run a drop-in clinic at DCM. religiousgroups communitygroups Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10979672 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-07-29T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10979211 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact It's Okay To Not Be Okay I used to wonder what the point was. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10979211 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-06-23T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10978485 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact One Less Thing To Worry About When I got out of jail, I started living in a dodgy caravan in Upper Hutt. upper-hutt huttvalley places religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10978485 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-05-21T00:00:00Z -41.1240674 175.0699589 Upper Hutt, Upper Hutt City, Wellington, 5218, New Zealand https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10977950 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From Our Manahautū He Rā Ka Huri: Seasons Change, Our Purpose Remains Stephen Turnock, Manahautū (Director) at DCM Tēnā koutou katoa, As the seasons shift once again, I find myself reflecting on just how much change we’ve witnessed lately, not only in the weather, but across our communities, sector, and Aotearoa. Like the turn from summer to autumn, some changes are expected, while others arrive quickly, bringing with them a sense of uncertainty. This changing environment is being felt deeply across the community sector. Policy directions are shifting, funding decisions are pending. Many of us are operating in a space where the future feels less certain than before. At DCM, this has real impacts. The security of our contracts, the continuity of our mahi, and the wellbeing of our kaimahi (staff) are all front of mind. And it's not just our sector, every day we see how these pressures are being experienced by whānau across Te-Whanganui-a-Tara: the cost of living, the struggle to find and keep a safe place to live, and the weight of navigating systems that often don’t work for them. Change is constant, but for many, it doesn’t always feel like it’s moving in the right direction. In the face of this, we ground ourselves in what remains constant. Our commitment to whānau-led support, our belief in housing as a human right, and our dedication to walking alongside those doing it tough. No matter the season, our purpose stays the same. And we want you to know, we have a plan. Even in a time of shifting sands, we’re clear on our direction. We’re committed to building on what works, data-informed insights, whanau-centred practice and courageous leadership. And we know we can’t do this alone. It’s through community collaboration, with whānau, with partners, and with people like you, that real solutions are found and created. So as the leaves begin to fall and we prepare for the colder months ahead, we do so with determination, with hope, and with deep gratitude for your continued support. You are part of this journey, and together, we will keep working towards a city where everyone has a place to stand. Ngā manaakitanga, Stephen Turnock Finding An Oasis At DCM I was homeless and running around the country before I came to Wellington. I was drinking heavily. I was an alcoholic. My mental health issues hadn’t been diagnosed, so I was unmedicated and pretty messy. Before that I was in Christchurch. I got made redundant, and then I had nothing to do. I started drinking, getting into hard drugs, getting in trouble. I made a lot of people mad and I had to leave. I just wanted to hide somewhere and drink. That was my plan. It’s crazy I kept drinking even when I was that sick. I knew I was sick, but the need for alcohol was stronger than any concern I had for my own safety. I was housed out in the Hutt maybe six or seven years ago, not by DCM but someone else. They put me there to get me out of Wellington, away from the drinking. But I still drank sometimes. Then I got told my liver couldn’t take it anymore. They said it was no good. That changed everything. I had to stop drinking, and that changed my life completely. I couldn’t fill the voids with alcohol anymore. I had to deal with stuff. Face my demons. And it was too much, really. I ended up needing medication. There was nothing like DCM out in the Hutt then. I came back into town because there’s more here, and DCM is a hub that has everything I need. I’ve been coming here every day, every week, for as long as I’ve been back in Wellington. DCM has supported me in all sorts of ways. I come here for coffee, for health, for dental, and they make sure I get to my appointments. Te Aro Health and the nurse let me know if the doctors want to see me. It’s amazing that everything is just here. And yeah, I get food from DCM. It’s good to know it comes from people I know, not some stranger. It keeps it in the whānau, you know? I don’t eat much. Once a day is usually enough to keep me going. I used to be a good cook, but I’ve lost all interest in it. Cooking for one is boring. Food is just something I put in myself now. The DCM staff are even trying to get more fruits and vegetables into me. I’ll eat it if it’s put in front of me, but I won’t cook it. I’m eating like an old man now. DCM hasn’t given up on people, not like other places have. That’s what surprised me. DCM is an oasis and people rely on this place. If they weren’t here, there’d be nothing for us. We’d be eating out of rubbish bins. "DCM is absolutely brilliant because it’s saving people in Wellington. It’s keeping people alive. Without this service, people would be lost. They’d just be lost." These days, I guess, I’m mostly just working out what life looks like until I die. That’s what concerns me now. My health isn’t great. I don’t know how long I’ve got, but I’m trying to be all right until then. If you’re struggling, don’t stop yourself. Get to DCM. If they see the need, they’ll help. I fully recommend it to anyone in Wellington who needs support. Spotlight on Lynda: Fundraising For Hope Lynda McGregor, owner of Little Bread Loaf, wears many hats. She runs a small artisan bakery in Lower Hutt where everything is made from scratch, a busy café in Miramar, works in fresh produce markets, and does catering too. Yet despite her full plate (pun intended), Lynda makes time to support DCM. Her connection with DCM began when she saw one of our Instagram posts calling for donations. “It really moved me,” she says. “I just thought, we can all do something to help our community. It’s not about pity, it’s about showing up and helping.” Lynda shared the post, a conversation followed, then a tour, and she soon found herself organising her first foodbank collection for DCM at Little Bread Loaf where she and her community raised over 200 cans of food. “I’ve always known about DCM and the work you do. I know you don’t get as much funding as the bigger charities, and I felt I could add value here in a way that would make a real impact.” Supporting DCM wasn’t a random choice. It aligned with Lynda’s values. “My mum always tithed. She gave a portion of what she had or her time to help others. I’ve always tried to do that too. I’m not religious, but giving back is a part of who I am.” She’s also realistic. “In the charity sector, it’s often the causes that are more ‘attractive’ that get attention". But DCM, she says, offers something deeper. “I truly believe that nobody wakes up wanting to be on the street. DCM works with some of the most vulnerable people in Wellington and you stay constant, even when others would walk away. The whānau you support can keep coming back for coffee, a chat, or whatever they need and you are always there for them.” For Lynda, donating food is not about charity. It’s about manaakitanga. “If the food isn’t good enough for me to eat, I won’t bring it in. What I give has to be mana enhancing; for DCM, for me as the maker, and for anyone who receives it. I want people to feel dignity when they receive something from me.” She adds that contributing makes her feel good too. “It feeds my soul. I do this for selfish reasons because it makes me happy and brings me joy.” Lynda has seen the challenges facing our communities and the pressure DCM is under. “It makes me sad to see the foodbank shelves so bare. You’re doing incredible work, and so much of it comes from heart. You can tell that your team is here because they genuinely want to be of service.” She believes anyone can make a difference and her hope is that more people and businesses will step up.. “You don’t have to give a lot. A couple of cans, a few dollars, whatever you can manage. That small act might have a huge impact on someone’s day." She adds, "It’s not about changing someone’s whole life. It’s about easing their path just a little. It’s about giving someone a little hope.” We are so thankful to Lynda, and our other wonderful supporters, for standing with us. DCM is proud to work alongside people who care so deeply about making Wellington a city where everybody has a place. This year, we are running a Foodbank Appeal Week from 17 to 24 May, and we are inviting the community to help us to continue to provide essential food support to Wellington’s most marginalised residents. There are many ways you can get involved. You could host a food donation box at your workplace, school, or church, run a fundraiser for DCM, or, if you would like to support us financially, you can do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2025 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. miramar lower-hutt places huttvalley religiousgroups communitygroups Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10977950 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-04-22T00:00:00Z -41.2125751 174.9057626 Lower Hutt, Lower Hutt City, Wellington, 5010, New Zealand https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10977309 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM A Reason To Smile communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Reason To Smile Your Support in Action With the end of the financial year in sight, we want to share just one example of the impact your support makes. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10977309 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-03-24T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10976662 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From The Manahautū Kia ora koutou katoa, As we step into the new year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our supporters, funders, and partners. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10976662 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-02-24T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10975999 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A House of Wairua I had a house for over 12 years, but then they sold the property. religiousgroups communitygroups Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10975999 Downtown Community Ministry 2025-01-26T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10975315 Ngā Kōrero – Happy Holidays and Thank You from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Happy Holidays and Thank You from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, and valued About Us Contact As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on 2024, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and share our gratitude for your incredible support. religiousgroups communitygroups Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10975315 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-12-17T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10974717 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Creating Connections and Changing Lives at DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Creating Connections and Changing Lives Spotlight on DCM's Te Pae Manaaki Tangata and Toro Atu DCM's Te Pae Manaaki Tangata and Toro Atu (Outreach) services form a vital support network for whānau. religiousgroups communitygroups Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:48:44 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-tk3un3ihqc-10974717 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-11-26T00:48:44Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10973938 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, and valued About Us Contact Content Warning: This newsletter touches on end-of-life care for people who have experienced homelessness, including death and family separation. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:29:45 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10973938 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-10-21T00:29:45Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10712470 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A New Smile for a Fresh Start When I came to Wellington earlier this year, I was a full-blown addict - drugs and alcohol, homeless, and living on the streets - and I’d lost 23 kgs. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10712470 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-09-19T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10709514 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From Our Manahautū Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Homelessness Stephen Turnock, Manahautū (Director) at DCM Kia ora koutou The landscape of the Social Sector in New Zealand has been rapidly changing, especially with recent government policy shifts. At DCM, we have observed the challenges these changes bring within the homeless environment we serve. We firmly believe that housing should be a human right without preset conditions, but as a nation, we appear to be moving further away from this ideal. This shift has significant consequences for the most vulnerable members of our society - those who depend on support to secure safe and stable housing. Housing is not just a physical structure; it is the foundation of wellbeing, stability, and a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, recent policies have increasingly treated housing as a privilege, contingent on meeting specific criteria. This has made it more difficult for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to access the housing they desperately need. Conditions such as employment, sobriety, or other benchmarks create barriers that impact the most vulnerable, including those with mental health issues, addiction challenges, or histories of trauma. It is expected that the current direction will continue to impact generations of Māori, who are already disproportionately represented in negative social and health outcomes. The overrepresentation of Māori in these statistics is a stark reminder of the systemic inequities that continue to affect their communities. The barriers created by current housing policies exacerbate these disparities, making it even more challenging for Māori to access the support they need to achieve stable housing and better life outcomes. At DCM, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting those who are left behind by these policy shifts. Our approach is whānau-centered, focusing on holistic, wraparound support that addresses housing needs and the broader challenges whānau face. We continue to advocate for fundamental changes that prioritise getting people into warm, safe, long-term housing with intensive support services. This evidence-based approach has consistently yielded positive outcomes, including improved health, stronger social connections, and greater financial sustainability. Our efforts to support highly vulnerable individuals are more critical now than ever. Through programs like Housing First and Sustaining Tenancies, we have seen people who were once entrenched in homelessness achieve remarkable transformations - moving into permanent housing, reconnecting with whānau, and rebuilding their lives. These outcomes reinforce our belief that with the right support, everyone has the potential to thrive. Addressing homelessness requires a collaborative approach. Decades of research and evidence prove that working proactively with all agencies, including the government, is the most effective way to create lasting change. Housing should be a human right, and we will continue to work towards a future where everyone has access to safe, stable housing without conditions. Our work at DCM is far from over, but with the support of you, our partners, and the community, we believe we can build a more just and equitable society for all. Ngā mihi nui Stephen Turnock Manahautū The Work Doesn't Stop at a Roof Moses and Penny, Kaimahi in our Noho Pai team Finding a house is a huge part of our whānau’s journey – but that is often just the beginning. At DCM, our Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) team works hard everyday to ensure that our most vulnerable whānau not only remain housed but also find stability, belonging, and hope for their future. The Noho Pai service steps in when whānau are at risk of losing their homes. Penny and Moses, two of our dedicated Kaimahi (staff), describe their work as a daily commitment to walking alongside whānau in their toughest times, as their equals. Our team receives referrals from various sources, both from within DCM and from external agencies. The reasons for referral vary - unpaid rent, property maintenance issues, or unauthorised occupants - but the goal is always the same: keep the whānau housed. The people that Noho Pai work with are among Wellington’s most marginalised. Many have been let down by the systems meant to support them. They’re wary of help, often feeling judged or mistreated. Noho Pai seeks to be different: uplifting and empowering rather than taking over. DCM is often considered the ‘last resort’ for many of these whānau but we don’t see it that way. “They lose their voice. Society judges them, or mistreats them, and they no longer have a voice. So we become their voice, for as long as they need us to be.”- Penny, Noho Pai The immense adjustments that come with transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing means that whānau often find it difficult to manage a household and pay their rent and other bills. Living on very low-incomes, they may need support with groceries, budgeting, or connecting with other organisations. Faced with so many new responsibilities, these ‘basic’ skills can feel overwhelming. Previous trauma and addiction can create a cascade of problems, while mental health issues often lead to labels like ‘anti-social,’ which Penny and Moses find dismissive and unhelpful. These labels can further alienate whānau, they say, making reintegration into society more difficult. The stories our Kaimahi hear are often difficult and confronting, but they also create perspective which makes the ‘small’ successes all the more meaningful. It’s about celebrating every victory - especially when whānau take ownership of their journey, set new goals, and ask, “What do I need to do to achieve this?” We stay with our whānau for as long as they need us, celebrating their growth and successes along the way. And when they’re ready to move forward on their own, we develop an exit plan together, ensuring they know they can always come back. The work doesn’t stop at a roof. It’s just the beginning of a journey - one that Noho Pai walks with whānau every step of the way. An Outreach Walk with Tamatha Paul MP Tamatha Paul along with her assistant and members of our Outreach Team being serenaded by whānau on the streets of Wellington MP Tamatha Paul recently met with DCM to discuss the challenges currently faced by our whānau in Wellington. She also joined our Toro Atu team on an outreach walk to connect directly with those who are rough-sleeping. Tamatha’s visit allowed us to highlight the difficulties our whānau are experiencing and the importance of working together to tackle homelessness and support those in need. Thank you, Tamatha, for coming to visit! There are so many ways you can support DCM to make meaningful change in the lives of our whānau. We ask for your support because we know that what we do works - we see the results of our mahi everyday as we walk alongside whānau who are navigating challenges that many of us will not ever face. If you would like to support us, please do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6-10709514 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-08-19T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-srs01z9lq5-10705926 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Journey of Recovery: One Day at a Time I've been coming to DCM since 2012. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-srs01z9lq5-10705926 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-07-18T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-srs01z9lq5 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact More than a coffee at Te Hāpai In the courtyard at Te Hāpai (which means, "to lift up") I was homeless and living in transitional housing when someone told me about DCM, and all the activities here. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-srs01z9lq5 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-06-20T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From Our Manahautū Stephen Turnock, Manahautū (Director) at DCM Tēnā koutou katoa. religiousgroups communitygroups Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-kzzo453pk6 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-05-16T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-ajlwh0gang-10491081 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Te Kī a Alasdair - A Place to Call Home communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Place to Call Home 20 DCM whānau have made a home in Te Kī a Alasdair, Wellington’s vibrant new community housing. religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-ajlwh0gang-10491081 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-04-24T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-ajlwh0gang Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Te Pae Manaaki Tangata – The place where people experience manaakitanga communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Neighbours Aotearoa – growing connections together DCM is celebrating Neighbours Aotearoa throughout the month of March. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-ajlwh0gang Downtown Community Ministry 2024-03-11T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-i5u8pqfyx7 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Stephen’s story - his journey from Christchurch, through the challenges of his youth, to a career supporting the most marginalised communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Ngā mihi nui! We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Ngā Kōrero survey last month. religiousgroups communitygroups Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-i5u8pqfyx7 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-02-19T00:00:00Z https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-2py9e4wgs8 Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Te reo o te tangata – sharing the voice of our people in 2023 communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Te reo o te tangata – sharing the voice of our people in 2023 Ngā mihi o te tau hou from the team at DCM. religiousgroups communitygroups Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://mailchi.mp/dcm/ng-krero-latest-stories-from-dcm-2py9e4wgs8 Downtown Community Ministry 2024-01-17T00:00:00Z