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    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:54px; padding-bottom:54px; } .headerContainer{ background-color:transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#007C89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } #templateBody{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:27px; padding-bottom:54px; } .bodyContainer{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left; } .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent a,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#007C89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } #templateFooter{ background-color:#07486a; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:45px; padding-bottom:63px; } .footerContainer{ background-color:transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:12px; line-height:150%; text-align:center; } .footerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#FFFFFF; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } @media only screen and (min-width:768px){ .templateContainer{ width:600px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body,table,td,p,a,li,blockquote{ -webkit-text-size-adjust:none !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body{ width:100% !important; min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnRetinaImage{ max-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImage{ width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCartContainer,.mcnCaptionTopContent,.mcnRecContentContainer,.mcnCaptionBottomContent,.mcnTextContentContainer,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer,.mcnImageGroupContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightImageContentContainer{ max-width:100% !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } From a bus stop to a whare by the beach – Michelle’s story communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Kia atawhai – Be kind On the road with DCM's Aro Mai Housing First Hutt Team  DCM's Aro Mai Housing First Hutt Team led by Barrie (left), with Karen, Te Paki, Ashleigh, Cindel and Daniel, at the office in Kokiri, Seaview, Lower Hutt. (Not pictured: Luisa.) DCM is well-known for the work we do in Wellington, but did you know we have a team working in the Hutt? Since July 2020, our Hutt team have been part of the Tākiri Mai Te Ata Whānau Ora collective, providing services to people who are experiencing homelessness in the Hutt Valley.   Based at Kōkiri Marae, our Hutt team are part of the wider Aro Mai Housing First whānau, and they remind us of an old DCM saying, “We might be small. But we are working on some of the biggest problems facing our city.” Along with providing Housing First services, the Hutt Team do Outreach work, and collaborate with Wā Kainga to ensure the whānau they are working with remain housed, and that no one falls through the cracks.   In this month’s update, we are using the motto Kia atawhai (Be kind), and it is thanks to the kindness of the people of the Hutt Valley, and the hard mahi of our amazing Hutt Team, that we have been able to see people like Michelle thrive. <!-- --> From a bus stop to a whare by the beach – Michelle’s story It was just before the pandemic when Alex and Paula from DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team managed to meet with Michelle at a Lower Hutt café. Michelle presented as very tidy, and happy to sign a consent form so the DCM team could work to help get her housed. She listed her address as ‘Waterloo bus stop’. Michelle was very thin, and it was clear she had been roughing it for a long time.   The meeting came about due to the concern of the general public in the Hutt for Michelle’s wellbeing, which led to many calls to Hutt City Council for a response. Soon after the meeting, Michelle disappeared again, as her mental health challenges took hold once more.   Alex did not give up, searching for Michelle at some of her favourite hot spots, such as MIX, a service supporting those experiencing mental health distress, where Michelle could have a hot meal and charge her phone. Michelle was also a regular at the local library, where the staff knew her well. Michelle with her current key worker Daniel Patelesio. It takes a team to support the whānau we engage with, and others who have supported Michelle include Alex, Paula, Charloh, Kat, and Te Paki. Michelle was sighted sleeping in doorways and on a mattress a member of the public had given her. The public continued to make multiple notifications to the Hutt City Council. Everyone was worried about her wellbeing. When Alex finally found her again, Michelle did not remember her – she could not even recall that they had met.   This is a very familiar story for the DCM team. Mental health is an ongoing issue for many of the people we engage with, who often suffer from trauma and undiagnosed disorders.   Another familiar story is how the pandemic helped many of our whānau move into housing for the first time in a long time. This was true for Michelle too – because without any of the usual supports available to people out on the street, and with services such as libraries closed, emergency housing suddenly became a necessity.   DCM does not believe that emergency housing is a good solution for New Zealand’s housing crisis, and though it temporarily provided Michelle with a roof over her head, it was a struggle in many ways. Michelle became unwell and ended up in hospital, but by this time – mid-2020 – DCM had established a Housing First team in the Hutt Valley. While Michelle was in hospital, Vicki, an Emerge Aotearoa tenancy manager who works with DCM as part of the Aro Mai Housing First collaboration, found her a permanent whare. Michelle was delighted to be able to move in when she was discharged from hospital.   This is where the hard work really started – and it took time for DCM’s vision for communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving – to become true for Michelle.   By moving people from homelessness into housing, then providing wrap-around support and regular home visits, we uphold people’s mana – and their right to an adequate standard of living as per the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But sometimes, once people are housed, we start to understand what led to their homelessness in the first place. For Michelle, much of our support has been to address her health and wellbeing – other cornerstones of the Housing First concept. Michelle is now housed by the beach, which she loves. Her neighbourhood is great for walking, which she often does during the day to keep fit and healthy. Michelle also enjoys a close relationship with her mother and two daughters who now live nearby.   Michelle’s current key worker is Daniel, who visits regularly. Michelle says she is “Learning to trust people” again through her relationship with Daniel. She now sees how her life has changed in positive ways through her willingness to work with DCM. “I was homeless,” Michelle says, “There is no other way to describe it.”   Daniel has seen Michelle grow, and observed how she has turned her whare into a home. Everything is so well organised. The Housing First team will eventually ‘graduate’ Michelle, as she becomes more confident – and independent.   Meanwhile, the concern of the people of the Hutt Valley didn’t end when they stopped sighting Michelle out on the streets. A DCM staff member who worked with Michelle overheard concerned members of the public speaking about her one day, and was able to inform them that Michelle was now safe, and housed.   It is good to Kia atawhai (Be kind) to people who are rough sleeping or street begging wherever we may see them. But how proud we are to see Michelle go from the Waterloo bus stop, to her very own whare by the beach. WORDS: MIRIAM HENDRY / PHOTOS: SUPPLIED. <!-- --> What to do if you are concerned about someone rough sleeping or street begging You can make a difference! Don't give people money or food when you see them out on the streets. Acknowledge people and, if appropriate, direct them to DCM services. But better still – if you are concerned about someone rough sleeping or street begging, call Hutt City Council on 0800 488 824 or Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444 – and they will notify our team. Together – with your help – we truly can end homelessness in our city.   Support DCM <!-- --> <!-- --> Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:54px; padding-bottom:54px; } .headerContainer{ background-color:transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#007C89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } #templateBody{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:27px; padding-bottom:54px; } .bodyContainer{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left; } .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent a,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#007C89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } #templateFooter{ background-color:#07486a; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:45px; padding-bottom:63px; } .footerContainer{ background-color:transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:12px; line-height:150%; text-align:center; } .footerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#FFFFFF; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } @media only screen and (min-width:768px){ .templateContainer{ width:600px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body,table,td,p,a,li,blockquote{ -webkit-text-size-adjust:none !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body{ width:100% !important; min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnRetinaImage{ max-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImage{ width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCartContainer,.mcnCaptionTopContent,.mcnRecContentContainer,.mcnCaptionBottomContent,.mcnTextContentContainer,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer,.mcnImageGroupContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightImageContentContainer{ max-width:100% !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer{ min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupContent{ padding:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCaptionLeftContentOuter .mcnTextContent,.mcnCaptionRightContentOuter .mcnTextContent{ padding-top:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardTopImageContent,.mcnCaptionBottomContent:last-child .mcnCaptionBottomImageContent,.mcnCaptionBlockInner .mcnCaptionTopContent:last-child .mcnTextContent{ padding-top:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardBottomImageContent{ padding-bottom:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupBlockInner{ padding-top:0 !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupBlockOuter{ padding-top:9px !important; padding-bottom:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } When we connect with our neighbours, good things happen communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact When we connect with our neighbours, good things happen Ka tūhonohono te hapori, ka puta ngā hua DCM has been taking part in Neighbours Aotearoa throughout the month of March. Neighbours Aotearoa is all about making connections in your neighbourhood. If we can be a resilient and supportive community, we can make longer-term and more deeply ingrained changes to the social fabric of Aotearoa. At DCM, we have often wondered how we can better take part in our neighbourhood. We work with the most marginalised people in our city. We are so focussed on ensuring our people are housed and supported to become good neighbours – but Neighbours Aotearoa made us ask, how can we as an organisation be good neighbours too? One thing DCM does very well is sing! And so, throughout March, we have been taking our daily karakia and waiata out into the middle of Te Aro Park, inviting everyone to join in. It has been a fantastic experience and we know that much like our location on Lukes Lane, the park also occupies the historic space of Te Aro Pā. It is right and appropriate that waiata should again be heard here. Ka mihi au kit e takiwā o Te Aro Pā. DCM's chess tournament in Te Aro Park. Cesar (top right, in wheelchair) was the winner on the day. A highlight of the month – and year – was a chess tournament held in Te Aro Park in collaboration with Wellington City Council. We had members of Police, Community Law, BGI (Wellington Boys & Girls Institute), Hāpai Ake (Local Hosts), Te Paapori, Barkers Clothing, students from Te Auaha Barbering Academy, and members of the public who happened to be walking past, join in the fun. But it was DCM whānau who scored the most wins, with Cesar at the top of the leader board with 10 wins in total. Nice job, Cesar. DCM kaiāwhina Fabian shares his thoughts about the day: DCM's kaiāwhina Fabian was nervous getting on camera, but here shares his thoughts on Neighbours Aotearoa and playing chess in Te Aro Park with the DCM crew and our neighbours. <!-- --> On the road with the Noho Pai team This month we share the story of DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) team. The Noho Pai team work tirelessly to support whānau to sustain their tenancies, to be good neighbours, and to thrive in their communities. Their focus is on ensuring positive outcomes for vulnerably-housed whānau – and sometimes it is very demanding and time-consuming mahi. The team is also there to pick up the pieces when things fall apart. When DCM says we work with marginalised people, this is what it truly looks like. The Noho Pai team have some of the most vulnerable members of our entire community on their books. As a result, we have opted to change the names of the people featured in this story, and we will not share any photos from inside their homes. Delena’s first stop of the day is a tall concrete building owned by Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand). A security guard lets her in the front door, where she will visit the small, ransacked flat of someone who will not be home – Marie – because she is in prison. Delena’s task today is to save as much of Marie’s stuff as she can, especially items that are meaningful to her. Kāinga Ora has agreed to store some of Marie’s stuff, but the rest will be dumped. Patsy is a Kāinga Ora tenancy manager and good friend of DCM’s. She lets Delena into the small one-bedroom flat. The place is a shambles, with items strewn everywhere, and graffiti on the walls. The kitchen is a no-go zone. Delena explains that this isn’t entirely Marie’s doing – other people have made themselves at home, causing a lot of collateral damage. Like many of the whānau DCM works with, Marie is extremely vulnerable. She has experienced severe trauma, and lives with a chronic condition that makes socialising with others a challenge. This also makes living in a small, noisy apartment, among many other vulnerable people, a problem for people like Marie. But Marie will not be able to come back to this flat – as Kāinga Ora will not allow people to return. Like many buildings in Wellington, it needs multi-million-dollar upgrades. When Marie finally comes out of prison, all she will be left with are the items Delena can save. Marie is very proud of her clothes, and so Delena focusses on saving the items she can recognise. She puts post-its on other small items, and ensures Patsy knows that Marie will want to keep the peach couch. Marie was very proud of her couch – it will mean a lot for her to see it on the other side. Patsy from Kāinga Ora (left) with Delena. On the top floor of the complex, a number of people are taking part in a weekly café-style lunch. This is a chance for tenants to connect with one another while enjoying coffee and home-baked kai provided by one of the local faith communities. Numerous people known to DCM have come from other complexes to join in the occasion. Ava makes her way around the café with ease. She stops to talk with Douglas – whose story we shared in 2021 – in the rooftop courtyard that overlooks the city. The café is a great opportunity to catch up with people DCM hasn’t seen in a while. Ava also catches up with Patsy from Kāinga Ora about one of her whānau who was not at their flat today, with whom she wants to have a catch-up kōrero. Ava finds her relationship with Patsy essential to her work. When one of Ava’s whānau moved to another property due to circumstances outside their control – without Ava’s knowledge – it was Patsy who helped her reconnect with them at their new address. Also at the café today is Elaine, who is 67 years old and housed at another location. Elaine’s new flat sits by itself and Elaine misses the social connections she was able to make at this complex. It is good to see Elaine, as when she is unwell she will completely disconnect from services. Like a keel, the Noho Pai team know that they can use their friendship with her to help right things again. Elaine loves jigsaw puzzles, and Ava says that she has picked up some new ones for her. The Noho Pai team will pop around to visit her in her whare tomorrow, and while there will check that she is doing well inside her still-new four walls. Douglas with Ava. Across town, Moses arrives at Fred’s place. Fred suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Wellington City Council want to re-carpet Fred’s whare, but he doesn’t trust them, and tradespeople refuse to enter the property due to the state it is in. As a result, Fred doesn’t like letting people into his home – but he opens the door to Moses. Fred seems comfortable with Moses, who is here to try to get him on to the correct benefit. They travel to Fred’s health centre as Fred needs a medical certificate. While there, Moses advises Fred to pick up a payment card from MSD so he can buy a phone and keep in contact with Moses and other important people in his life. These are positive outcomes for Fred today. Moses will broach the subject of Fred’s carpet soon – which will help raise his overall quality of life. Moses. At court, Tipene is stopped by security who ask him to put his possessions in a plastic container, which goes through a scanner. On the second floor, Tipene enters courtroom number 2, waiting for one of the 15 people on his caseload – Dean – to arrive. Dean has been having a tough time since the lockdowns, when his drinking started up after years of sobriety. He is facing charges for an incident involving some friends he has been having a hard time distancing himself from. Dean arrives, and the mood in the room is tense, with the gallery full of others waiting for their turn to be called to the stand. Dean is called, and it is humiliating for him to have to get up in front of so many strangers. The judge speaks first, and then the conversation moves from lawyer to lawyer, and finally to Dean. A date is set for the next stage in the case and Tipene takes Dean aside for a quick kōrero. Dean is relieved to have the support of a familiar face at these proceedings. This is a still from a story about Wellington's Special Circumstances Court, which you can watch on our YouTube page. Delena visits the whare of another person on her caseload – Sarah. Sarah is housed in a Kāinga Ora property, but it’s a standalone house, which Delena explains is a more appropriate fit for Sarah, who didn’t do very well in a housing complex. The lawn is overgrown but Sarah doesn’t have any gardening tools – something the team will get to when they can. Today it’s all about a phone – as Sarah’s phone is not able to make or receive calls. The whare is in a very quiet and isolated spot, and because Sarah also has schizophrenia, it’s important that she can be contactable, but also call for outside help too. Sarah freely talks about being “Under the Mental Health Act”. She sees this as a positive, as when she has an episode, or when things become a bit too much, she knows that she can go into respite care for a time. Delena explains that Sarah’s level of support at the moment is about practicalities such as a working phone. Another need at the moment is a bed. Sarah says she gets $300 a week, but Delena thinks she can access a special grant to get a bed, as sleeping on the floor isn’t ideal. Sarah says she has made a pasta meal, which Delena is delighted to hear. People have different levels of skill, and for whānau like Sarah, it’s sometimes a “two-step process”. In Sarah’s case, that’s successfully boiling the pasta, and adding some pasta sauce. There’s no cheese, but then that would be one step too far – for now. The Noho Pai team - Moses, Kesia, Ava, Penny, team leader Robert and Tipene. (Delena not pictured). Ava makes her way to the outer suburbs of Wellington to visit Hector. Ava has been working with Hector for some time. They see each other every week, and have built up a trusting relationship. When DCM first met Hector, he was sleeping in his car. He is now housed in a Kāinga Ora complex. Hector lives in a barren, windswept location, in dull, grey buildings that house many other vulnerable people. But inside Hector’s whare it’s a different story. Artworks adorn the walls and a coat that Hector is making for himself from unused curtains lies on the floor, a current work in progress. Hector has a Master of Fine Arts and his accomplished creativity is visible throughout his whare. Ava talks with Hector like an old friend, and the conversation flows across topics ranging from religion to kebabs. Hector wants to visit a local community centre, and so Ava drives him over to a bright, vibrant building that stands in stark contrast to the Kāinga Ora complex. Ava asks Hector to give her a call later about a food parcel, and Hector goes to see what’s happening at the centre today. On the road with Tipene (Stephen). Tipene goes to visit one of the most challenging people on his caseload – Trevor. Trevor is no longer able to access his property due to hoarding, and so now sleeps outside. Trevor has made his own campsite from scavenged materials, painted in bright colours. In Trevor’s mind, he had no choice but to build this fortress, with no other housing options available for him – just bureaucratic dead ends. Tipene calls out a greeting, and Trevor answers. They have a kōrero about Trevor’s situation. Trevor is understandably struggling at the moment and feels disenfranchised by the way others within the social sector treat him, particularly mental health services. Tipene often finds himself acting as an advocate for Trevor so that his mana is upheld, as at times he is known to walk out of meetings. Everyone wants the same outcome for Trevor – for him to be sustainably housed, connected, valued and thriving – but right now this seems far away. There are discarded tins of food around the campsite, and Tipene asks Trevor if he needs a food parcel with easy-tear tabs. Trevor says he is OK for now, and Tipene says that he will catch up with him soon. It is hard to leave Trevor behind on what has turned into a cold, wet afternoon. <!-- --> These are just a handful of stories from DCM’s Noho Pai team. How challenging it can be to stay housed after you have spent years living rough. Maybe you’re dealing with unaddressed mental health issues such as hoarding. Maybe you have an addiction. Maybe you were never taught how to do housework, or to cook. Maybe your mates need somewhere to stay, but their behaviour disrupts other tenants. When our whānau are dealing with these daily frustrations, housed among other vulnerable people while living on low incomes during a cost of living crisis, it might seem easier to go back to life on the street. The work of the Noho Pai team is challenging. But Ava, Moses, Tipene, Delena, Kesia, Penny, and team leader Robert don’t give up on anyone. They lift up the mana of our people, achieving positive outcomes for all – one step at a time. Ngā manaakitanga, Noho Pai team! WORDS / PHOTOS: MATTHEW MAWKES & MIRIAM HENDRY. Later in the year we will share the stories of DCM’s other amazing teams. In the meantime, thank you for your support of DCM – please do forward this Ngā Kōrero on to anyone you think may be interested in learning more about our mahi, and you’ll find other ways to support us by clicking the button below.   Support DCM <!-- --> <!-- --> Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Throwing in the patch for a life growing larger with Keri, and Census week at DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Life growing larger – Keri’s story Keri has a large number 13 tattooed across his right cheek. It’s unmissable – but it’s slowly starting to fade as Keri undergoes laser tattoo removal. “It’s been a bit of a process,” Keri reflects. “I’ve done six or seven sessions now. Got three or four to go – do them every six weeks. “It fuckin’ hurt getting it put on – but getting it taken off! Yeah, it’s not really getting easier…” Keri is working with DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team, and his key worker Riley has been accompanying him when he goes in for tattoo removal procedures. Keri has been judged harshly for his tattoo, with many people and organisations unwilling to engage with him. He explains why this might be. “Number 13 is Mongrel Mob. We do all of our patchings on the 13th.” But Keri threw in his patch six years ago – and he hasn’t looked back since. Keri and Riley. Photo by Mary Hutchinson. Keri was born in Hamilton, and along with his brother was adopted out. He describes family life as up and down – but not too bad. “I grew up with a Māori father and a blue-eyed, blonde-haired Pākehā mother, so you’ve got the best of both sides!” The family ended up moving to Rotorua, where Keri’s father worked as a school principal. Despite his father’s job, Keri describes school as “shitty”. “I just hated school – only went for the bone carving. But that was only an hour a week.” Keri started hanging out downtown, where at around 12 or 13 years of age he began to engage with the Mongrel Mob. For Keri, it was like gaining another family. “Gang life was good. Just like having brothers,” he says, while adding, “The young ones have burnt a lot of bridges over the years.” It is those in-between years that Keri doesn’t like to talk about much. He is too focussed on the future to dwell on the past. In the past there was prison, violence, and injuries. Keri wanted change – which led him to Te Aro Health Centre. Photo by Mary Hutchinson. Te Aro Health shares DCM’s kaupapa in every way. People are not talked down to, or judged, when they visit Te Aro Health. Instead they are welcomed, and experience respect. For Keri, this was a game-changer, and led to a phone call to Regina for help with housing. Regina was Keri’s first key worker at DCM, and they quickly found they had a close connection. “I was couch surfing with my sister in Strathmore,” Keri explains. “Straight across from me lived Regina. I used to go diving with her husband! When I went to DCM I finally met her – then I clicked!” Regina sorted out some emergency housing for Keri. Despite the dire state of emergency housing in Aotearoa, for Keri, the stability that comes with having a roof over your head meant everything. From there Keri rapidly went from strength to strength, and he now has his own whare thanks to the Aro Mai Housing First collaboration, which involves moving people from homelessness into housing then providing wraparound support and regular home visits to ensure people can sustain their tenancy. “Keri’s super self-sufficient in a lot of ways,” Riley shares. “Because he is really well connected and supported in his community – and with his whānau as well. So he will ask mates for help when needed – or they’ll offer – which is awesome. “Our help has mostly been with finances, kai, stuff like that – and connections to services. Assistance with filling out forms and explaining information.” Former key worker Regina was blown away to learn of Keri’s progress. “We can always offer support – anyone can do that – but it’s whether or not the individual chooses to take hold of that support. And it takes a lot of humility – especially, I know, for a man of Keri’s background – to be able to come to that place where he knows that he needs to accept it.” Keri is connecting with his community, with his kids – and he’s even got to know the landlord. In the future, he wants to start carving again, in his own whare. “Life has got a hell of a lot better – especially since I met you guys,” Keri says. “Everyone at DCM has treated me well.” Riley has now moved into full-time study, and so Keri will work with a new DCM key worker, Raya, who will continue to accompany him for his tattoo removal procedures. Keri filled out the 2023 Census with Raya’s help. This was his first time doing the Census, and after Raya explained how important it is to be counted, Keri found it comfortable and easy to complete. Riley shares, “Keri has always been the same guy. Always charismatic and confident, and able, but watching him settle into being housed again, so he can have the confidence to have his kids over, has been awesome. I’ve seen him blossom and flourish in slow but steady ways. “Life for Keri is growing larger – bit by bit.” WORDS: MATTHEW MAWKES / PHOTOS: MARY HUTCHINSON / DCM. <!-- --> Tatau tātou – all of us count Census week at DCM The Census allows us to reflect on who we are as a country. We are each a thread of the interwoven fabric that makes up the rich tapestry of Aotearoa. The whānau we work with here at DCM – those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness – are an important part of that tapestry. We know that they have a lot to give, but that outcomes in health and housing aren’t always the greatest for them. And so we wanted to ensure they were counted in this year’s Census – just as we did in 2018 – because tatau tātou, all of us count. Benna Seveali'i-Siolo and Graham Streatfield from Stats NZ. Stats NZ joined us at DCM for the week of 20-24 February, during which 70 whānau were assisted to fill out the Census, either in private rooms or in the courtyard, on paper or using a tablet with a Stats worker supporting them throughout the process. We know that without support these whānau may never have had the chance to take part, and it is thanks to the wairua of the Stats NZ workers that our whānau were both comfortable and empowered to fill out the Census. A member of the Stats team commented that it was important to make sure “This community is not forgotten”. When asked how they felt about their time at DCM interacting with our whānau, another Stats worker commented that the conversations they had here were “Amazing and worthwhile” – a real highlight of the experience as a whole, and something that they had not experienced anywhere else. Whānau even shared some of their life stories with the Stats team while they filled out the Census – a special moment of whanaungatanga between the team and whānau and an “Interesting and fulfilling experience”. Many whānau filled out the Census in DCM's courtyard. Here Lua assists Monty to complete the Census on a tablet. Whānau recognised the importance of taking part in the Census. They strongly wanted their “Voices to be heard” and felt “Our word counts”. Being able to fill out the Census in a safe environment with familiar staff and access to the usual services running at DCM was important in making the Census a positive experience. Goodie bags and kai helped too! Some whānau were harder to reach than others, but overall they saw the Census as an opportunity to contribute directly toward government feedback and initiatives. Whānau found the Census to be “Simple and non-invasive” and “A positive experience”. For some, taking part in the Census was an act of service to others, as collecting information “Is important for people in the same situation as me” and for “People who have been on the benefit for a long time”. This was because information from the Census plays a large part in “Deciding where the money goes”. During the week we were delighted to see some of our deaf community assisted to take part in the Census, both with the help of DCM staff with sign language skills, and the Stats team themselves. We were continually surprised to see other whānau with a great mistrust of government take part as well. Graham assists Smurf to fill out the Census. One such person was Smurf, who experienced trauma at an early age at the hands of the Cyprus government. Through his relationship with DCM, built upon layers of trust and mutual respect, he was able to see the benefit in filling out the Census and found it to be a positive experience, this being the first time he had ever done it. Smurf found it “A lot easier than I first thought – I thought it would be more personal than it was”. Graham helped support Smurf to fill out the Census, sharing parts of his life story and reassuring him of the confidentiality of the information shared. Smurf’s is just one of 70 such stories shared during DCM’s Census week, and we thank Stats NZ for lifting up the mana of our people. Cyclone Gabrielle has had a big impact on this year’s Census, and we know the Stats team have been under a lot of pressure. We also lift up our whānau for having the courage to take part. Their stories are taonga, and the data they have provided will help build a better Aotearoa where everyone has the chance to be housed, connected, valued, and thriving. WORDS: MIRIAM HENDRY / PHOTOS: SUPPLIED. <!-- --> Foodbank SOS! DCM's Foodbank is empty! Meda and Jason have never seen our shelves so bare, and those that do have items are at a critical level – even the baked beans! New Zealanders have been finding their supermarket shop a painful experience for some time now. It is even more painful for the people we are working with here at DCM, who often have limited incomes. With three months to go until the next DCM Foodbank Appeal, we urgently need assistance. If you can help, donated food items are welcome at DCM week days, or to our food donation bin at New World Chaffers anytime. Some people also choose to support DCM with financial assistance at the end of the tax year, and you can find ways to do that below. Finally, if you have enjoyed this Ngā Kōrero, please forward it on to anyone who may be interested in supporting our mahi.   Support DCM <!-- --> Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • The unsung heroes of DCM
      • 96 The unsung heroes of DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Solving problems with Fahimeh communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact 2023 – a year of challenges and opportunities Kia ora koutou We hope you have had a great start to your year. Here at DCM, there isn’t a closing down time, as we continue to support the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our community throughout the Christmas and New Year period. You may have seen other social services in the news talking about how they are finding that people are harder off than ever before. We’re finding this too at DCM. While milestones are being met, we know that the housing crisis is not over yet, and the people we meet here at DCM continue to be among the most economically-impacted members of our community. Fortunately, our incredible team – DCM’s hard-working kaimahi – makes sure that our whānau are not left on the bottom rung of the housing ladder. While our people may face significant challenges amidst the cost of living crisis, our team ensures they have access to the supports they need to thrive. We have two significant opportunities this year to ensure our whānau also have a voice on the national stage – the March census and October general election. We will do everything we can to make these opportunities accessible for our people, including having a polling booth right here at DCM, just as we did in 2020 when over 100 whānau voted, many for the very first time. We hope you will also ensure your voice is heard at the general election, so that the progress that has been made to tackle homelessness in Aotearoa is maintained. Behind our team are the many unsung heroes of DCM. In this update we share the story of Fahimeh, who has been collaborating with DCM to build our capability, so that we can continue doing what we do – but do it even better. Perhaps her story might spark some ideas about how you too can support DCM in 2023? Stephen Turnock  Manahautū DCM Manahautū Stephen (centre) leads karakia and waiata in Te Aro Park. DCM is taking part in Neighbours Aotearoa and will be leading waiata in the park every Monday and Friday at 9am for the next few months. If you're in the neighbourhood, join us! <!-- --> Unsung heroes of DCM Solving problems with Fahimeh Fahimeh McGregor loves to solve problems. And she certainly has the skills to do so – with a doctorate in the adoption of IT for performance and productivity improvement from AUT (Auckland University of Technology), she has 19 publications and 42 citations to her original family name, which is Zaeri. Fahimeh was born in Iran in the strategic town of Bandarabbas, on the Persian Gulf. Fahimeh was the youngest of seven siblings, and describes her early family life as very difficult. “I’m a revolution baby. The Iran Revolution happened in 1978 and was followed by a war between Iran and Iraq, which makes me part of the war generation as well. This took place during my primary schooling, and as my city is located in the south, close to the border – a port on the Gulf – it had a huge impact.” There was a lot of trauma for Fahimeh and her family. She describes nights without power, with all access to utilities cut for hours, while having to do her homework next to a little oil lamp. “Years later, I realised that I never had any wishes as a child. We had family wishes, which were to make sure that in the morning all of us would get to have another day together. There was no certainty, or an understanding of what a stable life is. Here in New Zealand, people have got a very natural stability – unless, perhaps, they are experiencing hardship and homelessness.” Fahimeh at five years old - the only photo from her childhood. Fahimeh’s big inspiration was her father. He was highly educated for his time, leaving his farming background to do a diploma in literacy and accounting. As Bandarabbas is such a significant port city, the Iran government feared it could be lost, and though 90% of trade came through the port, profits only went to the capital, Tehran. Fahimeh’s father tried to protect the rights of his community. “But after the revolution, he came under a lot of pressure,” Fahimeh reflects. “He had to give up everything. The only memory I have from when I was two years old was the night we had to burn his books. That picture is still in my head. I am always asking myself, ‘Why? What’s wrong with his books?’” Fahimeh’s father died from a heart attack at a young age, but he continued to inspire her. “He loved his community. He believed in change. That’s why when I got my first job, I put my community's rights at the top of my list.” Fahimeh went to university in Iran, where she met many people appointed to their first position by her father. She started volunteering – always a passion of Fahimeh’s – and later got a job working for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Design, where she worked hard to introduce transparency within a corrupt system. “I was quite hot-headed. I was young and thought I could change everything. I did my best, whatever I could, but my mum realised it wasn’t a safe environment for me. She tapped me on the shoulder one day and said, ‘You need to leave this country’.” Realising she wouldn't be safe any longer, Fahimeh left Iran. She moved to Malaysia in 2010, where she continued studying toward her Master's Degree. This was supposed to take two years, but Fahimeh finished her Master's in 14 months. Despite not knowing anyone, Fahimeh’s next destination was New Zealand, where in 2013 she picked up her studies at AUT thanks to a scholarship. With a doctorate added to her name, Fahimeh soon turned her attention to giving back. “I want to be utilised for the community. That’s the most important thing for me. I want to make sure that wherever there are challenges, I can help people and organisations.” Fahimeh started her industry experience by applying her research in a large infrastructure project, Waterview Well-Connected Alliance. She was then offered an innovative leadership role by Fletcher Building, to lead a continuous improvement culture in the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) project. Always wanting to create her own consulting business, Fahimeh later formed a company called DELTA Informed Decisions, which brought her to DCM. Fahimeh met with DCM Manahautū Stephen, to collaborate on solving the challenges of DCM’s processes and systems. “I had regular meetings with Stephen,” Fahimeh says. “I needed to hear what he is passionate about. He is a very driven person and wants to deliver quality outcomes that drive improvement.” Fahimeh with DCM's Kaiarataki Kāhui. From there, Fahimeh met with DCM’s Kaiarataki Kāhui (leadership group), guiding them through a collaborative process to identify how DCM can best work towards its strategic goals. While Fahimeh has the knowledge and expertise, it was the leadership team that needed to ensure everything was moving in the right direction, to allow DCM to engage in a meaningful way with whānau and other stakeholders. Fahimeh also spent time with many other kaimahi. “First is people. I listen to the language, and pick up different lenses people have got. Everyone is like a big ocean to me. There’s so much you can discover to help shape a better practice model.” With DCM’s new organisational model and strategic goals implemented, it was time to look at some technology solutions to help pull this 53-year-old social service into the modern world. One of Fahimeh’s first projects was tackling DCM’s long-time Money Management Service. Fahimeh started with a diagnostic phase, analysing the efficiency of the processes to gain an understanding of where opportunities for improvement may lie. While DCM’s kaimahi may not have known it, all of Fahimeh’s tools are science-based. “Everyone downloads their knowledge to the table,” Fahimeh says. “People around the table will often say, ‘Oh! I thought it was this way, not that way?’ And it can be frustrating in a way, because I have to ask a lot of questions!” Another project Fahimeh has undertaken is the adoption of an entirely new database system for DCM – Exess. While it may not sound very exciting, DCM is completely reliant on data and evidence to gain insights into the whānau they are working with, and trends that are happening with homelessness in Wellington. For example, did you know that DCM engaged with 1,085 whānau last year, of whom 647 experienced homelessness, and 230 went without shelter altogether at some point during the year? Or that 71.6% of all DCM whānau are male, and that 52.8% are Māori? Importantly, it is this kind of data that DCM needs to report back to the powers-that-be. Exess is now in its testing phase, and DCM looks forward to the massive improvements this information management system will achieve for the organisation, especially with its whānau-centric outcomes model. Fahimeh has enjoyed her time at DCM, which is why she has given back by donating her valuable time in-kind. “DCM has its challenges, but this has been the most enjoyable and rewarding project I’ve done,” Fahimeh shares. “You guys have got a passion for people. I can feel your heart beating for your whānau. That’s quite fascinating to me – everything is about them. Businesses often say they are customer-centric, but it’s not as tangible as you experience at DCM.” Fahimeh and Stephen. Fahimeh is saddened by the current situation in Iran. She recently went to Turkey to help two of her nieces escape the country. Both are now safely in Istanbul – one registered at high school, and the other at university, continuing the family’s passion for education. “It’s another revolutionary time in Iran. It’s really sad to see what is happening. What I always say is that I wish for peace in the world. And not just for the Iranian people – everyone deserves a peaceful life. And that is true for the whānau DCM is supporting too. Living outside, sleeping out, is so damaging for your health. I hope that the tools DCM now has will help your kaimahi achieve amazing results for them.” <!-- --> Can you help? There are many ways that you can be part of our work here at DCM. One way is – like Fahimeh – through offering your professional expertise. Volunteer dentist Shennae (left) with dental assistant Ella (right) at a session at DCM in January. Oral health care is one of the most significant unmet needs of the people DCM works with. We are looking forward to celebrating the 7th anniversary of DCM's emergency dental service in March 2023 – read about our 5th anniversary here. But we haven't been able to do as many dental sessions as we'd like since the pandemic arrived. Are you a dentist, or do you know a dentist who may like to do a session with us? If you can help, or if you know someone who can, please get in touch.   Support DCM <!-- --> Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Supporting the most marginalised this Christmas communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Supporting the most marginalised this Christmas We have almost made it through another challenging year at DCM. I am proud of the way our team has delivered our vision – for communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving – regardless of everything the ongoing pandemic has thrown at us. I am also proud of the courage displayed by the people we work with. They come to DCM because they genuinely feel welcome here, and because the practical mahi we do makes a huge difference in their lives. But it is when whānau are housed that true transformation takes place. This is why DCM has always believed in ‘Housing First’ – dramatically improved wellbeing comes from having a permanent roof over your head. You shouldn’t have to earn a home – you have a human right to have one. At DCM, it all starts at Te Hāpai, our hauora-focussed, week day services at 2 Lukes Lane. Read on for the story of just one day at Te Hāpai, where the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our city come. Stephen <!-- --> Another day in the life of Te Hāpai Te Hāpai – which means “to lift up” – is a safe, welcoming place where people who are rough sleeping in Wellington are supported on a journey to housing and wellbeing. DCM began Te Hāpai in 2015 amid growing concerns from the community when a number of Wellington drop-in services closed. But nobody just ‘drops in’ to DCM – our hope is that everyone who walks through our door is lifted up, so they can then engage with the services available at Te Hāpai every week day. These services have a hauora-focus – by providing a safe and supportive environment, we build relationships to encourage people to take the steps needed to be well, and to thrive. Tea, coffee and kai helps, and Tanoa has carefully set up everything for the day. Our team know that kai is a great way to build connections with people. It can be easier to have a chat about someone’s housing needs over a cuppa, especially on a cold Wellington day. DCM’s on-site team gather at 8:45am for a briefing. Rowan is our team leader today, and talks us through what’s happening. We have a carving course upstairs, some manuhiri visiting, and Jo from MSD will also join us, to work through any issues people may have, from getting on a benefit or on the housing waitlist, through to accessing a special needs grant. There are a couple of whānau the team are looking out for today, including someone Rowan and Jenny need to catch up with. Everyone is welcome at Te Hāpai, even if they are excluded from other services. We employ a ‘high tolerance, low threshold’ approach. If someone is having a bad day, they are still welcome to come back on another day. Accessibility and inclusivity are important parts of DCM’s kaupapa. At 9am, Clifton, who is taking part in the carving course, calls us to waiata with one of the instruments the team has created. We know that these sounds were once heard frequently around our building on Lukes Lane, which sits on the site of the historic Te Aro Pā. The entire DCM team gathers outside for waiata. Whaea Jenny, DCM’s Toa, leads the gathering crowd, letting us know what is happening at Te Hāpai today. Jenny reminds everyone to treat each other with respect – “Remember – manaakitanga, whānau!” “Kia ora, nan.” At the door, everyone’s name is recorded. Kaimahi ask how everyone is feeling; if anyone says they’re unwell, we will chat to them out in the courtyard. COVID is still a feature in Aotearoa, and DCM takes extra precautions. For example, if someone would like to see one of the Te Aro Health nurses, they will need to mask up. At the welcome desk, things quickly get busy. A man walks up – “I need to talk to someone about my housing.” Kaimahi take him to a private space to talk through the issues he is facing. Someone else says he has a toothache and needs to see the dentist. DCM has its own emergency dental service, but because it relies on the expertise of volunteer dentists, is only available once or twice a week. He is booked in to come back for treatment on another day. Others are here today for kai, but especially for kōrero. Carl likes to make and share his own crosswords, but today he shares an anagram – ‘DUMP OLD RANT’. Carl says the words are a hint at who this political figure may be. Te Hāpai is a place where DCM’s teams can both refer, and – helpfully – find people. DCM’s Toru Atu (Outreach) team connects with people who are rough sleeping and street begging wherever they may happen to be. They often send people down to Te Hāpai, where members of their team provide familiar faces. Kai helps as a drawcard, as does the free internet, and all the practical programmes DCM provides. Need ID? A bank account? Food parcel? Housing? Nurse, audiologist, dentist? You’ve come to the right place! DCM does it all, and does whatever it takes, to connect whānau to the supports they need. Other DCM teams pop by Te Hāpai to find whānau. Aro Mai Housing First kaimahi catch up with people here, especially if they need to access one of the many on-site health services. Today Johnny has dropped in, and Jenny gives his key worker Penny a call to come by and see him. Penny works with DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) team, supporting newly housed and vulnerable tenants within their own communities. Penny encourages some of these whānau to come to Te Hāpai on a Monday or Friday when Te Awatea – which means “the awakening of the dawn” – is running. Te Awatea is a group that aims to reduce the harm associated with substance abuse. People are welcome to come and go from the meeting, but 1-1 counselling is also available when people are ready to take the next step and talk to one of DCM’s expert AOD practitioners. DCM also receives visitors from many other agencies and services. Often nurses from TACT (Team for Assertive Community Treatment) come by, looking for whānau in need of their monthly depot – slow-release medication to help treat people for mental illnesses. Just as we have with MSD today, DCM will make a private room available for the TACT Team. Accessibility is what it’s all about at Te Hāpai, but perhaps most important is inclusivity. No one is judged here – and everyone is made to feel welcome. DCM takes this inclusivity to the next level by employing people who have been homeless themselves – their commitment to doing what it takes to become well and then go on to support others on a journey to housing and wellbeing is inspiring. Our day is winding down at Te Hāpai, and participants in the carving course are ready for some lunch. Like many of the endeavours we undertake at Te Hāpai, this mahi is only possible thanks to donations from the people of Wellington. One example is the St. John’s in the City Outreach Committee who funded our carving course, providing access to culture that is often absent for the whānau DCM works with. We have enjoyed seeing the participants in the carving course thrive – having grown in confidence, they will now go on to share their knowledge with others. Carving course at DCM: Sam from Wānanga Taonga Puoro ki Pōneke led us with his beautiful and gentle way of teaching, while we grew in confidence sharing this experience together. Outside in the courtyard Matt bumps into Piripi, who is currently rough sleeping. “What do you think of Te Hāpai – do you feel lifted up when you come here?” Piripi gets straight to the point: “DCM is awesome – you’re always there when we need you. It’s a place where everyone can come, because everyone is welcome. There are people out there who are kind of stuck, but your staff never give up on anyone.” For DCM’s kaimahi, it’s never just another day at the office. Our vision is for communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued, and thriving. We feel privileged to see this vision become a reality each and every day at the very special place that is Te Hāpai. <!-- --> We need your help more than ever We are worried about our whānau in the face of the rising cost of living. When you already have so little to begin with, the shocks from global crises will have a greater impact in every way. But DCM will be here to support them, and we know you will too. Our Te Hāpai service is not funded by central or local government contracts – but by YOU. This is why DCM’s byline is “Together we can end homelessness”. If you are in a position to help, here are some ways you can support us: Support DCM Together, in these most challenging of times, we will continue to empower those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to reach their housing and social aspirations. Ngā mihi o te tau hou ki a tātou, Stephen Turnock  Manahautū <!-- --> Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest stories from DCM
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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } This month’s update takes a slightly different form as we look into New Zealand’s housing crisis from different angles. Building communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact New Zealand’s housing crisis This month’s update takes a slightly different form as we look into New Zealand’s housing crisis from different angles. We have been talking to everyone from the decision makers, to private landlords helping solve the housing crisis, to those impacted by homelessness – the people we work with at DCM each and every day. Parties agree on supply, differ on other solutions New Zealand’s main political parties are continuing to debate solutions to the country’s housing crisis as new research shows that bipartisan housing intensification law changes are long overdue. Research by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, reveals that house prices have accelerated since 1980 because New Zealand cities stopped expanding and didn’t develop enough infill housing. Both Labour and National supported legislation in December 2021 allowing buildings of up to three storeys in cities without any need for resource consent. Houses in the Lyall Bay suburb of Wellington, New Zealand. Photographer: Mark Coote/Bloomberg. CC BY. But the parties disagree on other solutions to the housing crisis, and National plan to reduce the bright-line test from 10 years to two, and revisit interest deductibility rule changes for property investors, should they be elected in 2023. National Party Housing Spokesperson Chris Bishop says advice from officials is that the bright-line and interest deductibility changes put pressure on the private rental market. Housing Minister Megan Woods disputes this. “There is no evidence that those measures are putting pressure on the market,” says Woods. “We know that rather than leaving the rental market, multiple property owners account for 36.2% of activity (Q3 2022), close to the long-term average since 2017 of 36.5%. “It’s important to note the changes were made to discourage speculators and even the playing field for first home buyers.” In early 2018, the Labour-led government also banned foreign speculators from buying housing in New Zealand, but Bishop says they were never a big part of the market. “Labour for quite a long time didn’t want to deal with the underlying issue, which is supply. They have this thing around foreign buyers, and they have this thing around landlords – who they call speculators – when the actual issue is just supply,” Bishop says. Supply is where the parties agree, though the bipartisan housing intensification law changes are facing opposition from local councils, and National leader Christopher Luxon has also hinted at revisiting the rules. Bishop says National is committed to housing intensification. “The importance of this is that it gives certainty to the market. To developers, and people doing housing, that there’s now a shared commitment across the two main political parties that housing supply is really important.” Woods agrees. “That’s why this Government brought in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) to allow more housing in areas where people want to live. In urban centres close to work, schools, public transport, and other amenities. “Similarly, the legislation that Parliament passed last year with near-unanimity, and acceleration of the NPS-UD, allows for more housing types and density to be built to meet the needs of New Zealanders.” Despite the progress made with private builds, public housing has lagged, with emergency housing a dire prospect for some, as revealed in Rotorua after an investigation by TVNZ’s Sunday programme. Labour has built 10,328 additional public homes since coming into office to date, but with 26,664 applicants on the housing register as of 30 June 2022, permanent housing remains out of reach for many. Bishop says he plans to eliminate housing waitlists altogether, but that it must be done through supply.  “The ultimate answer to everything related to housing in New Zealand is more houses. Everything comes back to that,” says Bishop. “You don’t have enough houses for people to buy, they end up renting. When you have more people renting – and less rental properties – rents go up. Some people can’t afford those rents, they end up on the waitlist. The waitlist goes up – there’s not enough social housing – people end up in motels.” Kiwibank has predicted that New Zealand will have a housing surplus at some stage over the next 12 months while building activity outstrips demand. Bishop says he laughed out loud when he heard the Kiwibank prediction. “My response is we will have a surplus when no one lives in a car and no one lives in a motel. And everyone who needs a social house can get one.” Woods looks to the record level of consents made – 50,736 dwellings consented in the year to June 2022, compared to 30,453 in the year to June 2017 – as significant progress. “We’re also mindful that a consent is not a house until it is completed. We’re closely monitoring building activity, particularly as there are headwinds due to global supply issues and other economic factors,” says Woods. “There is more work still to be done to ensure that the right types of dwellings are built where they are needed, and that they are affordable – whether for homeowners or renters.” This article was written by DCM's Kaiarataki Pūrongo Matthew Mawkes as part of a journalism course at Massey University. Special thanks to Lee-Ann Duncan for the newswriting tips. <!-- --> The landlords helping solve the housing crisis Matthew Ryan has been in the news a lot lately – you might have read about him on Stuff talking about property prices, or heard him on his fortnightly Hot Property podcast on Newstalk ZB. Often referred to as a ‘mega landlord’, what may surprise many is that Matthew is helping solve New Zealand’s housing crisis by providing properties to DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team. Matthew Ryan is our largest landlord, currently providing housing for 17 taumai. Matthew was born in Wellington in 1964. He has a lot of love for the city, where he has spent most of his life. He grew up in a working-class family, working at McDonald’s in Porirua from 1981-1985, where he made $4.34 an hour. “I’ve probably come from a bit of a dysfunctional family,” Matthew reflects. “It was a hard upbringing. I guess in adversity sometimes you have to rise above it. You can go two ways with things. You can decide to be a part of it, or you can make it work for you.” By 1987, Matthew had brought his first property with a friend. In the late 1980s, he relocated to London where he sold real estate. “It was a recession time in the United Kingdom, but it was fascinating living in a big city like that – all the opportunity,” Matthew says. “I was in my early 20s. I arrived with $5,000 – about £2,500 – and I ended up buying three properties by the end of it. I wish I had them now of course!” Back in New Zealand Matthew continued working in real estate – becoming a bona fide property expert in the process – and his focus is now on Wellington. “It’s a bit easier to manage houses where you live,” he says. Matthew is Aro Mai Housing First’s largest landlord, currently providing housing for 17 taumai. Our Housing First team started by taking a few properties, and when that worked out, Matthew offered more – in particular in the Hutt Valley, where a large number of taumai have been housed. “The relationship blossomed,” Matthew says. “Because it makes sense. “It’s taken a while to understand how it all works. Like a lot of things, it evolves as it goes, but I now have a better understanding of how Aro Mai works, and who’s responsible for what.” It takes support from DCM, Emerge Aotearoa as a CHP (Community Housing Provider), and property owners, to make Aro Mai Housing First work. And there are challenges, such as obtaining insurance, which infuriates Matthew. “If an insurance company is prepared to insure a building on the basis that I pick John and Mary Smith, they’re happy enough to rent on that basis, but if I give it to Emerge Aotearoa, and they pick the same John and Mary Smith, they go, ‘No we don’t want them’. “That has to be discrimination. And that is not on, really.” But Matthew says Housing First is an attractive option for landlords, because not only are they helping solve the housing crisis by renting to people who have experienced homelessness, properties are managed for them, and they can benefit from changes to tax deductibility rules. Matthew would like to see the government step in to address the insurance issue. “If they can’t force their hand they probably need to say OK, well, we need to assist here.” In the meantime, Matthew continues to offer properties to DCM's Aro Mai Housing First team. Our vision is for a community where whānau are housed, connected, valued, and thriving. In the middle of a housing crisis, we need many more landlords just like Matthew who are truly making that vision become a reality. If you would like to know more about how you can provide homes for the people we are supporting out of homelessness, please get in touch with our Kaiārahi Whiwhinga (Property Procurement Officer) Shaun. For more information about how Housing First works, visit our website and check out the story of Dev. <!-- --> Challenging perceptions about homelessness The phone call to police was simple, but urgent – “Someone’s dead on the side of the street.” So began John’s day rough sleeping in Wellington, as social workers from DCM woke him up, the police close by their side. It was a turning point for John, who is now housed in a property provided by Wellington landlord Matthew Ryan through Aro Mai Housing First, a government-funded initiative that helps people who have experienced homelessness for at least a year get into permanent housing. Aged only 27, John has experienced a decade of living rough, and challenges the perceptions people have about homelessness, which he says is not always about addictions and mental health – though these issues have crossed his path too. For John, homelessness came about as a direct result of being kicked out of home. “Family life was rough. Especially due to the religious abuse of my mother,” says John. “I got disowned two weeks before I turned 16.” John, 27, pictured in Te Aro Park. He is now housed after a decade of homelessness through the Aro Mai Housing First initiative that recognises that it’s easier for people to deal with complex issues if they have a stable place to live. Raised Jehovah’s Witness, Martin’s teenage rebellion saw him take to the streets of Whangarei. He started self-harming and was on a suicide watch for four years. “I’ve been pissed on, I’ve been shat on, I’ve been spat on. Been abused – physically and emotionally.”  Wanting a fresh start, John hitchhiked to Wellington where the lure of free coffee and internet brought him to DCM. John was able to access emergency housing and, through DCM's Aro Mai Housing First team, a permanent place of his own. “I have my own bed, a couch, a TV. I’ve never physically owned any of this stuff. My prized possession has always been my skateboard. Living inside, it’s kind of like – what am I going to do now?” John’s key focus is on his health, and he is currently going through very serious medical treatments. He looks forward to doing some training and getting into work, helping others his age who have also experienced homelessness. “Years ago I was hustling with a little sign out and this guy yells at me – ‘Get a fucking job!’ An hour or so later he comes back, sits down beside me, and we chat. I explained my history and he had suggestions. He found out I had done the yards. I said bro – don’t judge a book by its cover.” We are relieved that John has a whare of his own, where he can recuperate and focus on his wellbeing. To support people like John, we need many more staff, especially for our large and growing Aro Mai Housing First team. Not only does this team procure properties, they provide the wraparound support needed to ensure those properties are maintained, and that taumai are able to thrive. Do you know anyone who would love to work for our amazing organisation? Visit our website for more info. <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest stories from DCM
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} .footerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#FFFFFF; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } @media only screen and (min-width:768px){ .templateContainer{ width:600px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body,table,td,p,a,li,blockquote{ -webkit-text-size-adjust:none !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body{ width:100% !important; min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnRetinaImage{ max-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImage{ width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCartContainer,.mcnCaptionTopContent,.mcnRecContentContainer,.mcnCaptionBottomContent,.mcnTextContentContainer,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer,.mcnImageGroupContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightImageContentContainer{ max-width:100% !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer{ min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupContent{ padding:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCaptionLeftContentOuter .mcnTextContent,.mcnCaptionRightContentOuter .mcnTextContent{ padding-top:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardTopImageContent,.mcnCaptionBottomContent:last-child .mcnCaptionBottomImageContent,.mcnCaptionBlockInner .mcnCaptionTopContent:last-child .mcnTextContent{ padding-top:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardBottomImageContent{ padding-bottom:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupBlockInner{ padding-top:0 !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupBlockOuter{ padding-top:9px !important; padding-bottom:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Looking back into the past, and toward the future, Jason remembers kindness – “The biggest thing on my list today.” Building commuities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Healing through kindness – Jason’s story It’s a cold mid-winter’s Monday morning at DCM, and the building is bustling with activity. Jason has just arrived for work, and there’s plenty to be done. Jason is going to show a new volunteer the ropes. Food awaits pick-up at some local churches, Kaibosh and New World – and when the DCM van returns back to base Jason will have food parcels to pack so taumai can receive emergency food assistance. For Jason, employed as kaiāwhina in DCM’s Foodbank, he knows that there are lots of little ways he can help. For example, “If someone needs an overnight food parcel, chances are they’re rough sleeping. So I’ll go out of my way to make sure they have some disposable containers, tear tabs – I couldn’t think of anything worse than being given some food and not being able to eat it!” Another day in DCM's busy Foodbank. Jason describes it as a selfless job. “It really gets me out of my own way, to help share the vision of DCM. I always walk away at the end of my shift feeling better about myself.” Looking back into the past, and toward the future, Jason remembers kindness. But life was not always kind to Jason, and he is remarkably honest about his journey. Jason was born in the Hawke’s Bay, where family life was pretty tough. “I had an alcoholic stepfather who brought violence into the home,” Jason shares. “My mum was trying to raise me and my two brothers and she kind of got trapped in this relationship and couldn’t escape.” Jason came out when he was quite young, and he was bullied at school. This had a big impact on him, as did working in hospitality from a young age. Jason is reflective about how drugs and alcohol helped him to suppress his emotions. “So you have the cultural aspects, and the family harm aspects, and also depression runs right through my family. I didn’t have good coping mechanisms. So one thing I learned is that when things get tough you just pack up and run. “I learned to pack very lightly, and not put roots down. I couch surfed, spending many years doing that. I learned that all your possessions are the clothes on your back, and what you can carry.” Jason was thrown out of places for not paying rent due to his drug problem, ending up in Australia. But despite the change of scene, and a good job in hospitality, Jason acknowledges, “I thought life would be OK. But I still hadn’t addressed that I had a drug and alcohol problem. Or that I was an addict.” It was back in New Zealand that Jason reached what he describes as his lowest point. “I remember getting to a point where I’d use drugs, walk around the house, and felt like I just ‘existed’. That was a scary feeling. I just felt empty, like I had nothing.” With family help, Jason was finally able to start the process of getting into rehab. That took four months, and in the meantime Jason started going to 12-step meetings, and anything he could find that was recovery-focussed. “I found online blogs of people sharing stories about how they managed to give up drugs, and I was drawn to that kōrero,” Jason says. “I thought, ‘Hang on, there’s a life outside this?’” After a relapse, Jason found himself rough sleeping. He went to Work and Income to ask for help with emergency housing, and they suggested popping down to DCM to get some food, where Dominic was his first point of contact. “I was a mess, but Dom was really kind. He helped me with a food parcel and then we had a bit of a kōrero about how DCM could help. I was willing to take whatever help I could get, and he said that Evan had just started at DCM, and that he would like to engage me with him. I wasn’t too keen on meeting a drug and alcohol counsellor! I just wanted to isolate in my own little bubble, and wallow in my pity. But as I was walking out of the interview room, Dom goes, ‘Oh, this is Evan here!’ So I didn’t have a choice in the matter! And that was kind of a turning point in my life.” Jason with DCM drug and alcohol counsellor Evan. From then, Jason started popping down to DCM regularly. “I would come down most mornings, even if it was only for a coffee and a chat to the staff. Just so that they had ‘eyes’ on me. I started opening my doors for change. I just let DCM in. “I maintained going to regular meetings – every single day, even when I didn’t want to. I joined Te Awatea. I would go along Mondays and Fridays. And have a kōrero in there with the other taumai, sharing my journey, and what was going on for me. It is so good that there is a safe space at DCM for people to speak openly and honestly. “Evan used to call me, saying ‘Hey brother, I’ve put your name down for this. If you’re not interested, you don’t have to do it’. As I started getting better I decided to take up the challenge of doing the things that scared me the most. And one of those things was doing the peer support training with Brodie and Hannah at DCM.” Jason was able to access other services at DCM, such as the emergency dental service. “I was terrified of seeing the dentist!” Jason explains. “I hadn’t looked after myself, but the dentist (Morris Wong) was amazing. He sees people. He talked me through my anxiety. It wasn’t as bad as I expected. I needed a tooth extraction and a filling, probably two things people fear the most. And he helped me through it. I went away thinking, ‘Wow, what a great experience!’” Jason also saw the Te Aro Health nurses at DCM. “Don’t even get me started on them! Rebecca and Bronwyn have been incredible, and super-supportive. I went to Bronwyn with a medical problem and she made it her business to push for the hospital to see me. They helped me, and it’s been great. She went above and beyond, just pushing for them to do something. “All the staff at DCM are amazing,” Jason adds. “All the staff who are there now, and those who have moved on.” Having completed training with PeerZone, another kaiāwhina (Renee) suggested Jason apply for a job working in the DCM Foodbank. “She set up an interview and I was absolutely terrified about going into a job. I hadn’t been in employment for eight years. I didn’t know if I’d be any good or be able to hold the job down. So much unknown, but I used a bit of courage. Then I thought, actually, the job’s not about me. I found purpose in the job and that’s about knowing that the mahi that I’m doing is impacting the lives of others today. “I used to give money to street beggars – until Evan pointed out the dangers. If I’m walking down the street now and hear a taumai calling out to ask for money I say, ‘If you’re hungry, pop down to DCM. WE can help.’” Jason now has a whare with help from Evan and DCM's Aro Mai Housing First team. He is proud to be housed, working, and officially off Work and Income’s books. He’s even ditched cigarettes. But most of all, Jason is proud to be living clean, one day at a time. “What I have learned in that time is to show others compassion and kindness. And that comes from the people who have loved me since walking through the doors at DCM. I wasn’t judged and they were there to help me. So today I try to see people and meet them where they’re at. I’m continuing to show that love and kindness to others.” Jason now has a life he never dreamed he’d have. “Some days I still feel like an alien trapped in my own body. I definitely don’t have it all together – but that’s OK. I’m on the right path. I’ve had many months of re-building my Te Whare Tapa Whā. I’ve learned core values and spiritual principles along the way. I’m a better person today, and I’m OK with who I am. “When I look back to my darkest times, what stands out to me the most are those who showed me kindness. Those who were able to be there for me, to say ‘It’s OK. It won’t be like this forever.’ “So I remember kindness – that’s the biggest thing on my list today.” Photoshoot by Gabrielle McKone. <!-- --> Te Awatea – Doing whatever it takes It's later on Monday morning at DCM – almost 11am. “Last call for coffee!” Clifton announces to the room. Some taumai get their final cup, while others mill around, waiting for Te Awatea to begin. Evan and Jo have set up the space, where taumai are welcome to come and go. They are joined by Clifton and other kaiāwhina, offering peer support for the group. Te Awatea is as accommodating as possible, though Evan and Jo will keep an eye on disruptions, and manage any behaviour that starts to impact other members of the group. Te Awatea is all about harm reduction – and today the nine members of the group start with a round of, “How are you doing today, on a scale of 1-10?” Some taumai rate themselves pretty high, a 7 or 8, while others are feeling a bit down today. A couple of taumai are dealing with medical issues at the moment, which is not making life any easier. Everyone shares how their weekend went. For some taumai, there are challenges. There are members of the group who freely share that they are dependent on drugs or alcohol, and feel stuck. But there’s no judgement from Evan and Jo, or from other taumai in the room. This is a safe space to share whatever you’re feeling, wherever you’re at. One taumai has to leave early to see a nurse. Before he goes he shares how he’s managed to reduce his alcohol intake. He had a great weekend, and is feeling good today. The group cheer him on – “Awesome mahi!” – as he pops out to see the Te Aro Health team. After the intros, Evan leads a kōrero about mental health. By sharing some of his story Evan knows that it will help break the ice, and get the group to open up about their own experiences. Taumai share how they face mental health challenges too, and some acknowledge that they use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, but that it doesn’t really help. There are a lot of laughs at Te Awatea. Everyone is different – and there are some characters! – but everyone is so open and honest that it’s hard not to share in a joke or two, to lift the spirit in the room. As the session comes to a close Evan leads with the serenity prayer, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Taumai chat amongst themselves as they head off. Some are looking forward to the next session, which will take place on Friday. In the meantime, Evan and Jo have their own little side room at DCM for one-on-one sessions with taumai who need them. While the group focusses on harm reduction, the offer of other pathways forward is always there if that’s what it takes for taumai to thrive. “Whatever it takes” is part and parcel of DCM’s kaupapa. Te Awatea truly shows that kaupapa in action. It’s not just on Mondays we hear stories like these. Here at DCM we are privileged to journey with taumai towards their housing and wellbeing aspirations, each and every day. You can help support us by forwarding this email on to anyone you think may be interested in learning more about our mahi. We will share our Ngā Kōrero bi-monthly. <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • June Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
      • 96 June Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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text-align:center; } #templateHeader{ background-color:#07486a; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:54px; padding-bottom:54px; } .headerContainer{ background-color:transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#007C89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } #templateBody{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:27px; padding-bottom:54px; } .bodyContainer{ background-color:#transparent; 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width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer{ min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupContent{ padding:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCaptionLeftContentOuter .mcnTextContent,.mcnCaptionRightContentOuter .mcnTextContent{ padding-top:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardTopImageContent,.mcnCaptionBottomContent:last-child .mcnCaptionBottomImageContent,.mcnCaptionBlockInner .mcnCaptionTopContent:last-child .mcnTextContent{ padding-top:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardBottomImageContent{ padding-bottom:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupBlockInner{ padding-top:0 !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageGroupBlockOuter{ padding-top:9px !important; padding-bottom:9px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Clifton shares his story and we hear from Hapi again.  About Us Contact Clifton’s Story “I love being part of a major change in people’s lives.” Ko Clifton tōku ingoa. I was born in Wellington but lived in Ōpōtiki for the first 13 years of my life. I was raised by my Koro and Nanny in a whole house full of cousins and aunties and uncles. We grew up on the family farm. They had 14 children, so we were never without whānau around us. My favourite thing to do growing up was to ride my horse with my brother and cousins, down to the river for a swim or up the bush for a hunt, just exploring. My mother spent most of her time in Australia and down in Wellington. Then, out of nowhere, when I was 12 years old she turned up, and my brother and I went to live with her in Wellington. I have worked in a number of different jobs over the years. I started off in the family taxi office in Miramar as soon as I left Rongotai College. I have worked in the sugar cane fields of Fiji; I have had work with other whānau up in Ōpōtiki in kiwifruit orchards. Back in the early 2000s I worked for a time as a forklift operator. I was working for Fletcher Construction when the first lockdown began. When all the work stopped, I lost my job and my income. I was trapped in Wellington with no whānau support and nowhere to stay. I had to move into emergency accommodation. Clifton volunteered his time to support the DCM Foodbank Appeal in May. When was the first time I heard about DCM? It was during that first lockdown, and I was at AC International. There were three of us in the one room; myself and my two adult daughters. I saw a pamphlet about DCM, and gave them a call. Steph answered. I think originally I was asking for food, for a food parcel. It was a proper lockdown, and DCM was only open at very specific times. Steph told me to come down on the Wednesday morning, and I did. I told Steph that there were three of us in the same room. She said “we can’t have that” and got straight on to it. Paula arranged for us to move to two rooms at Halswell. My room number was Room 24, I remember that clearly. I was in one room, and the two girls were in the other. Once I was settled in at Halswell, Kat and Peni from DCM came over to speak to me – about getting housed! They spoke to me about finding the right place. I told them about the issues I had had, with places in certain suburbs where family and others from my past would come by. It was not so good. We agreed that I needed an apartment where others couldn’t just come in to my whare, and that it needed to be in the city. And it sure was meant to be! They offered me, Clifton, a place on Clifton Terrace! And I moved in – on 31 August 2020. Clifton with George on Super Saturday vaccine day. DCM supports people like me in so many ways. Not just with housing and food parcels, but I have also seen the audiologist, the dentist and the Te Aro Health nurses. I have been vaccinated at DCM – I had my first two shots there, and went off myself to get my booster. When I was in emergency housing, I would regularly come to Te Hāpai to get out and about and away from emergency housing for a while. I was always made welcome; the DCM kaimahi were genuinely interested in getting to know me, and hearing what my own hopes and dreams were. It was one of the DCM team, Dom, who supported and encouraged me to stop smoking. And then, a month after I moved in to my place, Kat asked me if I would like to work at DCM. I knew Fabian, and I had wondered how he came to get a job at DCM. The next step was for me to be part of one of the Peer Support courses which DCM offers to people who are interested in a kaiāwhina* role. No sooner was that done, than Kat came back to see me. She helped me with my CV and a cover letter. Then I had an interview at DCM – with Natalia and Paula. They asked me what sort of work I was interested in. I said I would love to work with the Outreach team, and they immediately agreed. They listened to me, to what I was keen to do. It was the ultimate miracle. Clifton is always looking out for ways to support others. He has stepped up to help all of DCM’s teams at one time or another. He enjoys working with Evan to deliver the Te Awatea programme (left) and participating in DCM training and team-building days (with Moses, Bella and Michelle at right). Since then, I have got to be involved right across the many areas of DCM’s mahi. I am part of the Outreach team, but I have also been out with Arieta, Adriana and George from DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team and with Nadeeka to support our Sustaining Tenancies mahi. I have worked in Te Hāpai, and on DCM’s Te Awatea programme. I have been part of the team delivering our Community Connections programme. I was even at the very first session when we launched the programme at Newlands. I love the patience and resilience of DCM. We roll with it. When taumai are ready, we go forward with them. If they are not ready today, we will try again tomorrow. There are endless chances. We won’t give up on you. And now, I have been able to add more mahi in to my week. I have also joined the Take 10 team, working with youth. On a Saturday night, we are out from 9pm–4am in the city, connecting to young people, checking that they are safe, even paying for them to get an Uber home when this is what needs to happen. We offer water, sweets, etc., to get the young people to connect with us so that we can check in with them. All the DCM taumai seem to go by! They greet me, wonder what I am doing there. The way DCM has stepped up during this pandemic has been ever so encouraging and inspiring. They have come up with ways of supporting those who need it most, regardless of the traffic light system or regular lockdowns. That’s what separates DCM from other community services – the constancy of our level of passion for the work we do. It has been exceptionally impressive – the aroha and manaakitanga I have experienced and have seen others experience over my time at DCM – first as taumai, and now as a kaimahi. Clifton with his team leader, Natalia, outside DCM in Lukes Lane. Natalia Clifton is the type of person who will do anything for anyone. He is generous with his time, cares about his colleagues and keeps his eyes and ears open for ways that he can help people. Clifton also loves learning. It’s one of his great strengths – he listens, watches, and then tries something himself. He also asks for feedback from colleagues which shows great strength of character and humility. He is always open to doing things differently or better. Clifton has covered so much work for DCM including supporting us on outreach visits, running manaakitanga in Te Hāpai, coaching new kaiāwhina, moving furniture for taumai who have become housed, supporting community connections mahi, and sharing his own story in Te Awatea to help the taumai open up and share their story. He’s probably the only DCM staff member who has worked across all services and all teams. How would I describe Clifton? He is collaborative, humble, kind, patient and always supportive. Of both his colleagues – those he works alongside here at DCM – and of taumai. Clifton is always ready to lend a helping hand – whether it is cleaning up the hall after one of DCM’s Community Connections afternoons (left) or staying behind with Fiona after DCM’s last AGM to do the dishes and tidy up (right). <!-- --> Hapi In January, we introduced you to Hapi and shared his story. Hapi is a creative and sociable man who is thriving in his new home, a house provided by private landlord Dev. Hapi loves his art, and this month, some of his pieces have featured in a very successful exhibition organised by MIX, a mental health service which offers programmes in art and wellbeing. Hapi’s work has been popular, with more than half of the items he has prepared for the exhibition selling on opening night alone. Here’s what Hapi has to say about what art means to him: “Bro, it frees my mind. It frees me. I’m free! I'm free and I don’t have no other thoughts about anything else, but just go for my own things. Do my own style of work. I feel awesome when I make anything that I know that I can do, or whatever vision comes in my mind. I just lay it out how it is. What really makes me feel good is other people love it.” You can hear Hapi speak about his art for yourself, in this brief film clip: <!-- --> Support DCM *DCM uses the term kaiāwhina, meaning a helper or advocate for those staff who bring lived experience to their mahi at DCM. We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • May Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
      • 96 May Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Today we introduce you to a few of our kaitautoko, people like you who support DCM and the most marginalised people in many different ways. Kaitautoko   noun Someone who supports, backs up or advocates for TOGETHER we can end homelessness – DCM's tagline acknowledges the many individuals, businesses and groups who share our vision and are part of team DCM. Here we introduce you to a few of our kaitautoko, people like you who support DCM and the most marginalised people in many different ways. Mon Mon has been supporting DCM for many years – in our Foodbank, at the DCM Bookfair, and as a regular donor. "It must have been 18 years ago that I first joined team DCM. I wasn’t working, and wanted to try something a little different. I first heard about DCM through Volunteer Wellington, and joined the team as a Foodbank volunteer one day a week, back when DCM was based in Eva Street. Steph was new in the role of director, and Pam Whittington was another key person on the team at that time. I sorted out the food donations and stocked the shelves in the Foodbank. I got to know Steph well and she shared a lot about DCM’s work and vision with me. After about a year, I got a full time job – but of course I wanted to continue to be part of DCM’s great work. Year after year, Mon was part of the team which delivered DCM's highly successful annual Bookfair. Here she is at the DCM Bookfair in 2014 (left) and 2017 (right). From 2005 right through until the final Bookfair in 2019, I was part of the team delivering the iconic DCM Bookfair, working with the book sorting teams during the year and at the Bookfair itself. In the later years, my job meant I could no longer help with sorting but I continued to work on the Bookfair weekend. Over the last four years, I have also been part of the DCM Foodbank Appeal, another great way to be involved over a weekend. As my working life has become busier and I have had less opportunity to support DCM with my time, I have chosen to become an AP donor, setting aside a little each month to support an organisation and way of working which I am totally committed to. Why is this? I guess I began with an understanding that I was fortunate while others were doing it tough, a sense of social justice and an awareness of the unfairness in our society. Over time, I came to understand more about the connectedness we have to each other. One measure of marginalisation is isolation, lack of connection, being unseen and unknown. Is that the worst thing of all? Quite possibly. To be invisible, to exist in a society where governments, societies, individuals, want you to be out of sight. DCM will NOT let this happen. Over all of these years, I have witnessed DCM doing an incredible job of truly seeing these people. Of knowing them, of connecting to them, and in turn connecting them to others. DCM is genuinely an organisation which is trying to do themselves out of a job! They really do make a difference in the lives of the most marginalised people. I love that they now regularly share awesome stories with all of us who support their work. The challenge to us now is to share those stories with our networks, to make the people DCM works with visible across our society. Through our time, our dollars and our sharing of stories, we can build and celebrate the connectedness we all have to one another." If you would like to know more about regular giving, please get in touch - donate@dcm.org.nz <!-- --> Tia Recently we put out a call for furniture for some of the people we are working with who are now housed. And then we received a message on Facebook... DCM kaimahi Stephen Bowater (left) and Moses Davis (right) visited Tia to pick up furniture for taumai who they are supporting. Tia was moving to the Hawke's Bay, and had a household of furniture to donate, which was great timing for a number of taumai who we are working with. She thought of DCM, as her late stepbrother Brad was supported by us and went on to work here. She was surprised and pleased to learn that we indeed remembered Brad, who died in 2014. You may have read the story of Russell in last month's update or on our website. So many of our taumai pass away at a young age. Brad was 47 years old when he died, but at that time he was housed and doing well. He wanted to give back to DCM, and had started volunteering in DCM's Foodbank as well as helping out at the DCM Bookfair. How special it is that Tia's furniture now lifts up other taumai - the items have been shared with several different people. What a wonderful way to support these taumai to thrive in their very own homes, just as Brad did. <!-- --> Restocking DCM's Foodbank It is that time of year again, when we need to re-stock our empty foodbank shelves for the winter. And this year it is more important than ever, with increasing prices placing even more pressure on those who have very little.  It’s a time when we are always reminded of the many different people who come together, offering their time, money, food donations or skills, to make our work possible. Here are just a few of the many supporters who were involved in last weekend’s Foodbank Appeal. Some are new faces, others will be very familiar to you all. Shaun Shaun Monaghan is DCM's Property Procurement kaimahi. Shaun and Tihema visited New World Chaffers on Saturday to support the DCM team. It was great to see DCM kaimahi popping by on Foodbank Appeal day. Day in, day out, Shaun works tirelessly, seeking out rental properties, speaking with landlords, finding whare for us to house taumai in. His partner Tihema is a dentist who has taken dental sessions at DCM. If you or anyone you know would like to find out more about providing a rental property for someone who is experiencing homelessness, Shaun would love to have a chat with you. And you can enjoy reading the story of one such very special kaitautoko, landlord Dev, again here. Stephanie DCM’s former director Stephanie McIntyre  You never know who may drop by to support the DCM Foodbank Appeal, including our former director Stephanie! "Stephen has done a great job of leading DCM through such challenging times. For many years, DCM has insisted that the answer to homelessness is homes! More than a decade later, everyone is now accepting this. None of the tail-chasing to set up emergency housing and transitional housing has been effective. All can now see that this is not the answer. I am very pleased that DCM remains committed to housing first, to supporting people to access and sustain their own homes. During the period since I left DCM, I have continued to be involved, albeit often at arm’s length, in finding ways to grow the stock of permanent homes for DCM’s taumai. And I know that DCM will continue to deliver the wrap-around support that is essential for taumai to thrive in their homes." Shaun DCM Board member Shaun Greenslade-Hibbert and his husband Alan helped out at the Foodbank Appeal. Shaun joined the DCM Board in 2021 as a representative of the Religious Society of Friends, a community which has been supporting DCM since the very early days. He trained as a nurse in the 1980s and has worked in palliative care for over 25 years. Shaun arrived in New Zealand from the UK in January 2019 to continue his work in palliative care at Mary Potter Hospice. He has welcomed the opportunity to support DCM’s work in any way that he can – including taking his turn on Foodbank Appeal day, welcoming shoppers and telling them about our work. Wesley Church It is quite a job, sorting and labelling the food we receive at our Foodbank Appeal. DCM is very grateful to Wesley Church for providing the space to sort and store this much needed kai. Wesley Methodist Church has been supporting DCM since we began as ICM back in 1969. In fact the original DCM office was located at Wesley. They have always been there when we have needed them – providing space for community events like the Thanksgiving meals we hosted with the US Embassy, a room for our uke band to practice, putting a basket out for food donations at their church services, and groups of volunteers whenever we need them. Many Wesley Church members also choose to donate regularly to DCM. And now, with space all over this city at such a premium, Wesley has stepped up again and provided somewhere for DCM to store kai, and to sort food donations during our two annual Foodbank Appeals. Tree and Rhea Tree was down at New World Chaffers last week, ensuring that the DCM food donation bin was clearly marked ready for the weekend's Foodbank Appeal. We love it when people reach out to us and suggest creative ways that they can support our mahi. Tree Mackay is an accomplished designer who approached us to offer her time and skills. She has helped us re-fresh our food donation bin at New World Chaffers. Rhea is part of a team of talented students who have been undertaking some design work for DCM, developing new templates, infographics and digital tools for us. She created some designs and flyers to let people know which items we most need for the DCM Foodbank. "I'm currently undertaking post-graduate study at Victoria University. I first heard about DCM through Ignite Consulting, an organisation which connects students with socially conscious organisations. A few weeks ago, I was able to visit DCM and see first-hand the work being done and the tangible difference DCM is making in people's lives." If you were not able to drop some food items in over the weekend, why not pop down to New World Chaffers, have a look at Tree’s handiwork, and leave some of the items suggested in Rhea's beautiful shopping list for DCM to provide for taumai. Yes, it takes many different kaitautoko to deliver DCM's mahi and vision. And this month, once again, you all stepped up, supporting us when we needed it most. TOGETHER we can end homelessness – we cannot do this important mahi without you all. It’s as simple as that. <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • DCM – together we can end homelessness – one very special story
      • 96 DCM – together we can end homelessness – one very special story p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Many of the people DCM supports die at a young age. Today we share the story of Russell, who died two days before Christmas last year. Remembering Russell Two days before Christmas, the team from DCM stood with two police representatives down on the waterfront, at the site where the body of a man they had all supported over the years had been found that morning. After a karakia led by the police iwi liaison kaimahi, the DCM team sang waiata, beginning with “Te Hokinga Mai”...   ...TANGI ANA TE NGĀKAU I TE AROHA... How my heart weeps with sorrowful love... HEI ORANGA MO TE MŌREHU, TANGI MŌKAI NEI... The survivor cries out with loneliness... E RAPU ANA I TE ARA TIKA... Seeking out the right path...   Russell Fleming was born in Palmerston North and spent his earliest years in Levin. Later the family moved to Lower Hutt. Russell had two older sisters and two older brothers. His mother describes him as her “surprise baby”. Growing up, Russell learned many skills from his father. He loved tinkering with bikes and as an adult, this continued to be something he enjoyed. On the morning of Russell’s funeral, there was a bike in his flat which he had been working on. He rode bikes; he rode scooters. This was part of who he was. His father Hugh helped him get his heavy truck driver’s license. Russell always saw himself as a worker. This had been one of his family’s core values. Drunk or sober-ish, he would say to us “I have to get a job!”; “I have to get my truck driver’s license back.” His mother recalls how, when they were together, he would say, “You sit down, Mum. I will make you a cup of tea.” His house was clean. Even on the day of his funeral, there was his washing drying on a clothes horse indoors. Russell’s undoing was his alcohol addiction. He kind of didn’t have a choice. He faced so many challenges – addictions, mental health, a back injury and a head injury, which he attempted to address through self-medication. Combining his prescription meds with alcohol led to a seizure. Being diagnosed as epileptic meant he lost his truck driver’s license and could not work, something that was so important to him. As a result of this complexity, Russell could not access or receive the support which he needed, something we often see with the taumai we support at DCM when they experience multiple, complex issues. He did not fit in one category; the fact that he needed support around all three (mental health, addiction, cognitive impairment through head injury) meant he slipped through the cracks of secondary health services. Russell lived a mobile life, but was always drawn back to Wellington, to this area, to “home”. And so many people in Wellington were connected to him and were part of his story: his friends in the street community, the street cleaners, the Wellington City Council local hosts, his lawyer, all the different tenancy managers, Mōkai Kāinga and the community gardens – even the police were fond of him! At DCM, Russell connected with and was supported by so many of the team over the years – from the dentists, eye doctor, and Te Aro Health nurses to many DCM kaimahi. Every team at DCM was part of his journey – the Outreach team when he was rough sleeping, the Sustaining Tenancies team when he was struggling to stay in a home, and towards the end of his life, he was housed again through the Aro Mai Housing First collaboration. Here a few of those he was closest to, share their memories and reflections about Russell. Russell loved spending time with Natalia and Rob. Natalia Natalia Cleland, DCM I was the first person Russell met when he came back to Wellington in 2018. He had been living at a campsite in Nelson, and he said to me, “I can’t keep living on the street! I need a house!” He connected with people well, and was able to voice his own aspirations well. I didn’t want to be the one who told him that there was no house for him. I wanted to be in his corner, supporting him. So I put him on the line to the MSD Social Housing team. He howled and screamed down the line – “I need a house! I am going to die out here!” He absolutely demanded a house – and he got one! This is when he got his first tenancy – at Lower Hutt, just around the corner from his parents. “Yes, the housing stuff; well, it’s stuffed!” – this was probably one of the most incredible things Russell said. He was really smart and could see what was going on in the broken system. Not just looking at his personal situation but seeing that he was caught in a system that was “stuffed”. I was blown away by his insight and how he didn’t complain about his homelessness necessarily but rather he called out the problem for everyone. He was such a friendly guy, so happy and gregarious. In every photo shown at his funeral, he is smiling, laughing. This was his strength, but also the challenge. He was so connected, he didn’t always know when to step back and give others some space. His personality could be too much for others at times. Russell was always connected to his family, even in his dis-connection. He always wanted to be re-connected to them all. There was a birthday card from his parents that he kept on his mantelpiece in his final home. When we mentioned this to his mother, she said that it would have been a card from several birthdays ago. He had carried it around with him while he slept on the streets and put it on display when he moved into that final house.   “Yes, the housing stuff; well, it’s stuffed!” Russell Fleming Robert Robert Sarich, DCM How would I describe Russell? He was ENERGETIC – literally a ball of energy. And he was LOVING. He was also completely and utterly committed to social justice. I first met Russell on Lambton Quay. I was out on outreach, walking along the street en route to work early in the morning. I explained where DCM was and left him a card. “Please come down and see us,” was my kōrero. He was open to this, immediately, which was awesome. When he was housed out at the Hutt, I helped him move in. He was always positive. He was only ever negative when he was drinking. I guess that in a past time, he would have been the lovable town drunk. As I say, Russell was committed to social justice. If things were going wrong for other people, he would often raise it with us. He would tell us about the person, tell us that they needed help, tell us that it wasn’t “fair” how things were for this person. You often had to listen and reflect, wait to see what it was that Russell was getting at, what it was that was going on with the person he was concerned for. But often when you got to the heart of it, Russell was bang on. Russell was assaulted a few times, when his behaviour was just too big for others to deal with. He would advocate for himself too. I thought it was very brave; he would go to the police, name no names, but he understood he needed to do this – for himself, and for others. “If they could do it to me, they could do it to anyone, Rob!” he would reflect to me. My feeling is that Russell was a lot more settled in the final months of this life. Russell knew that he was loved, not merely tolerated. Yes, he was a loved ball of energy, dressed in a beautiful korowai. Hamish Hamish Knight, Police City Community team, Wellington I have been in the Police for 14 years, and Russell Fleming is one of those characters like Ben Hana, who you really connect with, who many people know and have connected with. He had that wow factor. He has evolved over time; he has grown and he has changed. And it’s not just that the numbers of bangles up his arm have been added to, the jewellery has changed. But some things have also stayed the same. Russell has always been pleasant to chat to. Banter. That’s the word. Russell and I enjoyed plenty of banter. He went through his camo stage, with that huge backpack, full of everything! I would pretend that I couldn’t see him in his camo gear. He would be calling out to me, and I would be going: “Who is that talking? I can’t see anyone!” Yarns – that’s another word. There were some big yarns about his life. I usually had to cut him off or we would be talking on and on and on – forever. He was talkative, yes, but he was never disrespectful of me, of police, of authority. I didn’t arrest him; there was no offending that I dealt with. I would take the alcohol off him. He would listen to reason. Like when I would explain that he was just being too loud. He knew he needed to tone it down; he just didn’t really know how to go about it. He didn’t go looking for trouble, but it did seem to find him at times. Russell seemed to be on the fringes. In so many ways. On the fringes of many friendship groups, but never at the heart; never quite experiencing the connections and close friendships he seemed to want. That was a bit sad, watching him try to find a place he belonged.   “I am a homeless person. But I look out for others.” Russell Fleming Joe Pastor Joe Serevi, Salvation Army I first met Russell at DCM. He was sitting outside, and he wasn’t having a good day. I said to him, “Come on, let’s go for a walk and have a chat.” I took him for a cuppa. Russell just loved to talk, and that’s how I began to connect with him. Russell was such a character, with his great big backpack, and his military fatigues. He was intelligent, and this shone through whenever you had a kōrero with him, especially when he was sober. He was one of the more challenging people on the streets, and he found it very challenging when he got housed. Those four walls and living alone were difficult for him. Russell was someone who really needed and was always seeking connection with other people. I was privileged to be one of those people, and to be able to support him in different ways over the years. Russell Russell Fleming, in his own words Many of you have “met” Russell through DCM’s film clip. He was keen to be involved with this – he saw it as a way to lift up DCM and acknowledge the support he, and others, had received from the team. At the time, he was rough sleeping. In amongst all of the film footage which Ocular shot while making the DCM film clip are conversations which the film crew had with Russell. Producer Steph Miller pulled some of these reflections out for us this month. There is Russell, in his own words, talking about his life and about homelessness. He speaks about the complexity – of being so used to the street that he often felt more settled there:   “It’s hard. Every time I go in to a house, I am used to being out here.” “A house. It’s just four walls, you just sit there and do nothing. Whereas out on the street… I guess it’s more of a social thing.” ...while at the same time being totally over it, and wanting to have a safe place to be – ”But then again, you want a house cos you are sick of it.” He asks the film crew – “If you were homeless...would you be able to go to sleep at night, in the cold, in the wind, in the rain?” Over and over again, Russell lifts up DCM.    “Natalia is a lovely person; she has put me in to a few houses and stuff”; “Natalia and that; they are cool. DCM are cool fellows!” At the same time, he draws attention to the key underlying issue – too many people experiencing homelessness and too few houses:   “Natalia and DCM; they are doing a really good job! But they have had to help so many people.” “DCM have so much on their plate, dealing with so many homeless people!” “Yes, the housing stuff; well, it’s stuffed!”   And his own kaupapa and commitment to others also comes through, as he shares examples of times when he has been able to help others, especially young people experiencing homelessness and addictions.   “I am a homeless person. But I look out for others”.   Sia Sia To’omaga, DCM Russell was little, and loud, and often all over the place with his thoughts, with his kōrero. When he was referred to our team, he had a property in the Hutt, back when DCM’s Sustaining Tenancies team was still covering the Hutt. When he was living on the streets, he was bullied. I would go out and look for him, go out and find him. He found a safe space for himself, up by parliament. We knew where to find him. At DCM, we have housed him three or four times, and have tried some different options. The challenges were always around his drinking and his behaviour. He could get to a situation where he didn’t feel safe in the whare or living situation we had sorted for him, and then he would return to the street. One day a few months before his death, he came in to DCM; he was drunk and he was loud. He was calling out to me. “I am going on a course, Sia! Then I can get a job.” He had this card; he was anxious that he might have missed the course, the chance to do this. I was asking him to calm down and to explain what was going on slowly and carefully to me. Here I was trying to call the number on the card – and then a phone call came through! Magic, amazing timing. It wasn’t the same name or number as on the card, but it was a man named Tone, calling to ask DCM about Russell and the course. Tone and I figured out that we knew each other, and we were able to make sure there was a spot on the course reserved for Russell. But it wasn’t going to be easy. When I heard that this training course was going to be at a place at the bottom of Ngauranga Gorge, and that it was going to begin at 7.30am – well, I did not know how Russell was going to get to the right place at the right time. But you know what? He made it! And he completed the course!   The last time I saw Russell, I congratulated him on passing the course. He showed me photos of his house on his phone. I said to him “Wow, Russell! You could eat off the floor. It is so tidy! Well done.” Russell kept a beautiful home.   Yes, many things were going well for Russell in the final months of his life. He was housed – in a home provided by a private landlord. He was more settled and was feeling very hopeful that he would soon be able to work again. After his death, Tone called Sia to ask how he could forward on Russell’s certificate. Sia had to let him know that Russell had passed away, but that the team would love to pick up the certificate. Russell would have been so proud of this achievement, and sharing it with the team at DCM has been another way of acknowledging him, and all that he meant to so many. Two days before Christmas, the team from DCM stood with two police representatives down on the waterfront, at the spot where Russell’s body had been found that morning. With Rob Sarich on guitar, the team sang waiata, ending with “Ma te kahukura”... MAU ANA TĀKU AROHA Cloak yourself with my love WHAI AKE I NGĀ WHETU Follow the pathway to the stars RERE TŌTIKA RERE PAI Fly straight, fly true RERE RUNGA RAWA RĀ E Soar high towards the heavens. Russell Mark Fleming 31 Mar 1974 – 23 December 2021 “A loved ball of energy” <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • March Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
      • 96 March Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Another great story from DCM! Introducing Jason - "And then something magic happened..." Jason’s Story TOGETHER we can end homelessness Jason is an amazing artist. He loves colour and painting; Wellingtonians love purchasing his artworks. Jason is resourceful and articulate. Over the years he has struggled with addictions and with his mental health. These challenges led him to move away from his whānau in the Hawkes Bay, and to sleep rough in and around Wellington for many years. Jason’s story shines a light on DCM’s tagline, as we reflect on the community - the “together” - who walked alongside Jason until, one day, something magic happened...   Robert Sarich is a member of DCM’s Outreach team Robert shares, “I first met Jason back in 2018. He was rough sleeping for a long, long time, but he was always affable, approachable, articulate. He didn’t want to talk about housing, but the more he got to know us and to trust DCM, the more open he was to listening and accepting our support in other ways. The difficulty was how to find him! He was rough sleeping in a cave, but there would be absences, so sometimes we needed to find him out on the street. In the early days, one thing he did need was food – and that became a conduit so that we could talk to him more about his housing. Then Janet joined our team, and her connection with Jason made such a difference. She was very strategic and intentional in the way she would engage with him. She would keep him up to date, and in great detail, which is what he needed. This further built his trust in us, and his willingness to work with us.” Janet Dunn worked as a Wellington City Council local host, before joining DCM’s Outreach team, working alongside Rob   Janet remembers, “I first met Jason when I was working as a local host. He was living in his “cave” up in Kelburn, and would regularly sell his paintings on Lambton Quay. I loved them, and ended up buying two of them. This cemented our connection – and this continued when I took on the role on the Outreach team in 2019. Jason’s art was one of the levers to housing for him. He needed to keep his art out of the weather, and he needed storage for his materials. But neither was possible when he was rough sleeping. He didn’t feel okay about being part of any of the art programmes around town – they weren’t his thing. He needed a space to do this on his own, at the right times for him. So one of our regular messages to him was, “Jason, you know we want you to thrive, and we can see that your art is central to this. We need to find a place and a way for you to do more painting, to be able to enjoy your art.” There’s another thing about our mahi at DCM. As kaimahi, as the people building strong connections with the most marginalised, we begin to hold, to carry, to nurture, their hopes and dreams for them. At a time when they cannot dream or hope, we carry this - gently and carefully. When they cannot see the possibilities and the joy the future may hold for them, we see this for them. In March 2020, COVID arrived in Aotearoa and we experienced our first lockdown. When Jason heard that everyone had to be off the streets during lockdown, he moved in with a friend, couch surfing. He found that he could spend time indoors, in a home.” Janet outside the “cave” where Jason slept rough for a long time. She says: “You know, last year – after Jason had moved in to emergency housing - there was a big storm and a landslide with a tree sliding right down over the entrance to his “cave”. Had he been still sleeping there, he would have been buried.”   DCM in Lukes Lane When rough sleepers walk through the doors at DCM, feel welcome and safe, we are able to connect them to a wide range of supports, and to further build connection and trust. The first time that Jason came to DCM was to see a dentist. It was May 2018, and – experiencing a lot of pain – Jason had attempted to pull his own tooth out, leaving some remnants behind. He saw dentist John Buckerfield that day. Later he would also receive major treatment from John Taylor-Smith and Louisa Leathart. The DCM Dental Service is another way that DCM builds connection with taumai, demonstrating in a very practical way that we are committed to being there for them when they need us most. Jason spent time at Te Hāpai, the purposeful space at DCM which offers so much more than coffee, kai and manaakitanga. DCM kaimahi connected Jason with MSD and took him through the steps needed to access ID. DCM became Jason’s address for mail, and each time he popped in to collect his mail, we could again encourage him to keep thinking about housing. He saw the nurses from Te Aro Health at DCM from time to time. And last year he came in to DCM for his COVID vaccinations. “And then something magic happened...” Tabitha George-Koshy, DCM kaimahi on the Aro Mai Housing First (AMHF) team “It was Janet who first introduced me to Jason – the connection she had formed with him was invaluable when it came to building his trust in me. It took about three months of joint visits to him out where he was sleeping before we began to sense a shift. Then two things happened – it was the beginning of winter and it was Jason’s birthday. Janet and I headed out to visit him the day before his birthday. And our kōrero went like this – “it is your birthday tomorrow, Jason, and it’s time for a change. We are going to visit you on your birthday. We are going to bring you chocolates – which we know you love. We are going to pick you up and we are all going to DCM – to talk about what we are going to do to get you in to a place.” And Jason said, “Okay”!!! We could not believe what we were hearing. We turned up the next day, and YES! He was there and he was ready for us. Off we went to DCM, where first of all, we spoke about emergency housing. We were able to talk about his concerns around EH and some of the misconceptions he had. I rang Jo Smith at MSD and she rang the Set-Up. Within an hour, it was all sorted, and we took Jason to his room. He walked around exclaiming, as if he couldn’t quite believe his eyes. “Oh my goodness! A shower!” then “Wow! A kitchen?!” And the story doesn’t end in April 2021, with Jason moving to the Set-Up on his birthday. No, the story just begins then. Because by the end of the year, Jason moved in to his own place.” “I still don’t know exactly what happened. But it did happen!” Janet continues, “How did things come together so that Jason felt able to give emergency housing a go, and then to accept a house, and to settle in a home, after all this time? It is hard to pinpoint one single thing; as we often say at DCM, it was magic. Several things all came together at the same time. Something turned. Robert Sarich always says, “We play this long game at DCM.” Like I said, his art was one of the things. Then there was the fact that during lockdown he had those few weeks staying in a house, spending time there and beginning to develop an image or a dream of what could be possible. His family connections were also important. Jason returned to the Hawkes Bay for his father’s funeral. I think while he was there he began to HOPE, to hope for a better future for himself. For a future which could include his own daughter. There was a new optimism. And then came his birthday. We were able to message to him: “You are not getting any younger, Jason; it is time to think about getting yourself a house.” As always, Jason’s response began with “oh yes, but I don’t want to think about getting a house. Not just yet.” And we were able to reply: “But we ARE thinking about this, Jason. We are thinking about it for you. And we think that it IS time.  It is a really good idea for you – right NOW.” “I can be me now!” Jason has now been housed for three months, in a property which has been provided by a private landlord. He is caring for his whare, enjoying his art and the space to be himself. Says Rob Sarich, “When he was housed, one of the things I saw in him was that he could just be himself at last – more feminine – and with a lot more pride, because he felt safe and secure. “I can be me, now” he said to me one day. It was great to see this happen for him, and so quickly.” Janet reflects on Jason’s many strengths: “You know, just before his birthday last year, we noted that Jason’s boots were all worn out. We offered to get him some new shoes. Of course he had absolutely no interest in “sensible shoes”! “No! I will get my own shoes!” he told us. Which he did – he found his own new shoes. He is very resourceful. We just want him to channel that resourcefulness into other things. Not to surviving in a cave. But to thriving in a community. A community where he is accepted, and able to both give and receive. This has been the dream we have carried for Jason for some years now, and now it is his dream for his own life. And it is a dream which is coming true.” Just as they did last year, the team are looking forward to delivering chocolates to Jason again on his birthday - next month. Only this year, they won’t have to go out to find him where he is rough sleeping. They will be delivering them to him...in his own home! Photographer Gabrielle McKone is a DCM donor and supporter. She headed out with Tabitha to visit Jason in his new whare and to take these photos of him – for Jason, and for all of us, to enjoy. We encourage you to read – and enjoy – more of Jason’s story and Gabrielle’s beautiful photos on our website. <!-- --> DCM Dental Service Emily Kremmer This month marks the 6th birthday of the DCM Dental Service - an excellent opportunity to acknowledge Emily Kremmer as she comes to the end of three years as lead dental assistant (DA) at the DCM Dental Service. Here she shares her story. Emily has supported Frances Ruddiman as a DA, both at DCM and at Wellington Periodontists. "I took my first session at DCM as a DA in 2018. That very first session was with dentist Lucy McGowan. Then in early 2019 I took on the role of lead DA. DCM supports people who have such complex needs and so many challenges in their lives, when often nobody else will. As dental professionals, we are just a part of a whole team working together in so many spaces – from food, income and housing, to mental and physical health and addictions, to connecting people to their whānau and their community. There have been so many fabulous moments with taumai, so many times when I have felt so, so proud to be part of this special place. I guess it is some of the earliest ones which stay with me. From the time when I was just beginning to understand taumai and homelessness, and gaining an insight in to the complexity of this. There was one woman we saw at the dental service who had suffered a chronic injury and could not work. She had used up all her savings and the means at her disposal, and lost her home. She didn’t know where else to turn. Her situation really struck me. If any of us did not have the support of our families and our loved ones, this could happen to us. Then there were the days when with a small investment of our time, we were able to make such a difference in the life of a taumai. There was a woman who had a significant chip in her front tooth; she had lived with this for many years. She had not come to DCM to have this dealt with, but John Buckerfield noticed; he could see that there was something extra we could do which could have a huge impact. And so we patched it up. It made the world of difference to her. She saw her own face, her own smile and was so grateful. She cried. I cried. It was such an emotional experience – being aware of how much we could achieve with just an extra 10-15 minutes of our time. It is time for me to move on now. Some doors closed during the global pandemic, but now they are beginning to open again. Jack and I got married this month. Next month I will graduate with a Bachelor of Communications. And then, after several false starts due to COVID, Jack and I are finally going travelling. Three years later, what would I say to anyone thinking about taking a dental session at DCM, either as a dentist or a DA? It always comes back to the joy of being able to help taumai, the joy of supporting the most vulnerable people in our community. It is ALWAYS worth it. One of the unexpected benefits for me has been meeting so many different dental assistants and dentists. Working alongside them, seeing the different ways in which they work. And more than that; it is that true sense of being part of a caring community. When you see a dental assistant from one practice working alongside a dentist from a completely different practice, you witness the Wellington dental community working together to support the most marginalised people in Wellington. <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? 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    • February Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Dev Singh has purchased a number of rental properties for DCM to house people we support who have long histories of homelessness. Getting to know you... Dev A landlord's story Dev Singh has purchased a number of rental properties for DCM to house people we support who have long histories of homelessness. Here he shares his story, and talks about the benefits and the challenges of being a part of this mahi. "I am originally from Fiji. I was born and grew up in Suva and I came to New Zealand about 35 years ago – in 1986 – to study commerce at Otago University. I studied commerce and then accounting and also completed a law degree at Vic. I have worked as an accountant for different organisations over the last 20 years or so. Currently I work for two charities, Arts Access Aotearoa and Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA), for four days a week. One day a week, I set aside for my property portfolio. I grew up in a large whānau. Parents, grandparents and other family members, uncles and aunties – we supported each other as one large family home. The main thing my family taught me is that – always – people come first. We need to look after each other, support one another. These are the most important things in life. I lived in various rental properties for some 20 years, when I was a student in Dunedin, and for years after I moved to Wellington in 1996. Then I built my own house in Churton Park, finally completing it in 2006. A few years after I had built my own home, I decided to purchase one property as an investment – that first property was in Porirua. That’s how I became a landlord. Since then, on average I have invested in one more rental property each year. I now have properties in Porirua, the Hutt and Wellington city. I have several properties which now house people who are supported by the DCM workers on the Aro Mai Housing First team. The best thing about it is that you are providing homes for people who really need them. So that gives me satisfaction. There’s also the fact that the rent is paid regularly – I don’t have any issues with rent. And the tenants are supported and managed by DCM – I don’t have to worry about that either. Last year I spent some $35K upgrading one property – painting, plastering, carpeting, and making the kitchen and lounge open plan. I like to do this kind of work – it’s very uplifting for people when they move in. One of the tenants DCM is supporting came by a few days before her tenancy was due to begin, watching our progress and getting very excited – she wanted to move in right away. It was great that she was able to get a nice place to live. Yes, there can be some issues. But things have always been sorted quickly. The DCM team are great to work with and I find it very easy to get in touch with the Emerge Aotearoa tenancy managers, Vicky and Victor. There’s a whole team supporting us as landlords, and it all works really well." Dev If you would like to know more about how you can provide homes for the people we are supporting out of homelessness, please get in touch with our Director Stephen Turnock at director@dcm.org.nz or by clicking the button below:   I'm interested in providing a home <!-- --> Getting to know you... Hapi, Mandy, Michelle Dev's tenants Today we hear from three of the taumai who have been housed in properties provided by Dev Singh. You met Hapi in last month's update. Here's what Hapi, Mandy and Michelle have to say about getting into a home of their own: “Having your own place means a roof over your head for starters. But more than that. It takes the worries off. I’m not having to rely on others and I can stand on my own two feet. I’m fenced in and I’m a bit off the street, so it’s quiet. And my neighbours are beautiful to me. I think it’s important to put people in the right properties. And this is the right place for me.” Hapi Mandy outside her whare. “Having a whare makes me feel protected – I have somewhere to go. When I was on the streets, the biggest issue for me was safety. Now I have a warm and cosy home I can return to. In the first couple of weeks I would return to the streets and have to tell myself over and over again: ‘No! You have a home now!’ I am so comfortable now. I have a partner and I’m taking part in the cultural programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I love attending the Māori and Pasifika book clubs. It is great to be a part of my community.” Mandy "I love living in Petone. It took a while for me to get used to living in a home. But now I am very well connected with my neighbours on either side of my house. I love walking everywhere. I will only take the bus if it rains. I share lemons from my lemon tree with everyone. I do love my home." Michelle <!-- --> Getting to know you... Evan Supporting taumai with addictions With his background and training in AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs), Evan leads DCM’s Harm Reduction programme, Te Awatea. He also supports people with long histories of homelessness to access a home and to go on to thrive in their lives, as part of DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team. Here he shares a little of his own story, and explains why he loves being part of this work at DCM. Evan leads DCM’s harm reduction programme. "From the time I was a young child, members of my family have had serious addictions – I grew up in that world. I have had many struggles myself – with addictions and my mental health. About 10 years ago I came out of rehab; I was honest and I acknowledged that I had issues I needed to deal with. I was asked to go and speak at a hui focused on rehabilitation, involving ten judges. My support worker at the rehab centre suggested I would be a great person to speak to them all. One of the judges really encouraged me to consider studies in AOD, and offered to pay my tuition fees even. Once I was out of jail, I began with a six month foundation course at Weltech, and then went on to the degree course. Throughout the three years of my degree, I worked at a rehab centre as a support worker. It was Carol Devlin, who had been my support worker 10 years earlier, who told me about the role at DCM, and encouraged me to apply. And my learning has continued here, it has been amazing. I didn’t even know about harm reduction and harm minimisation when I came to DCM. It is definitely the way to go. I came in to work for a few days each week, and now I am a full time kaimahi at DCM. My mahi involves everything from running our Te Awatea Harm Reduction drug and alcohol programme through to housing people. Evan with Peter, a man he has supported in to a home of his own. I love DCM. I love the team – so many characters, so much fun. I love the support I get, from my fellow kaimahi, from everyone at DCM. I love the wins – seeing someone in a home, something they may never have had or experienced. Seeing the look on their face. They cannot believe that this is THEIR place. I love the way we are doing AOD at DCM. It’s harm reduction, but it’s more than that. We make it as easy as possible for the most marginalised people, those with complex unmet needs, to connect with us in this space. There are no referrals. We don’t want people coming to Te Awatea because they have been told they must. Taumai can come and go as they please; they can come late, leave early – they are always welcome. I share with them about my issues. I am on their level, I am alongside them. We do this together. I begin to build a good relationship with them, to connect to them. The group really support one another. It is beautiful. They are non-judgmental. Last week one man said “My house is such a mess.” Another taumai offered “Do you want me to come and help clean it up?” They don’t know each other; this is another guy going through some hard-core, heavy stuff himself. Yet still he offers to support a man he has only met recently. I love that we have found ways to keep our AOD programme going through everything that COVID has thrown at us, and continues to throw at us. These people need it! We have found ways to stay safe and yet keep these taumai, people with very significant addictions and challenges in their lives, going forward, feeling supported and connected. And I love that there is always plenty of laughter – because, like me, the taumai who attend just love it too! What would I say to someone thinking about joining me on the team here at DCM?  If you want to experience something in life that you have never experienced before, this is for you. The learnings are incredible.  You will be at the forefront of this sector and mahi. Every day is different - and this mahi is so fulfilling!" Evan   If you are interested in joining the team at DCM, we have several roles for kaimahi to be involved in supporting taumai to access a home and to thrive in their lives. If you have AOD qualifications and experience, we also currently have a vacancy to work alongside Evan in this field. Please send your CV and a covering letter telling us how your skills and experiences have prepared you to join us in this work to suzy@dcm.org.nz or click the button below:   I'd like to work at DCM <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Hapi, Mary and Megan share their stories
      • 96 Hapi, Mary and Megan share their stories p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} .footerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#FFFFFF; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } @media only screen and (min-width:768px){ .templateContainer{ width:600px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body,table,td,p,a,li,blockquote{ -webkit-text-size-adjust:none !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body{ width:100% !important; min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnRetinaImage{ max-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImage{ width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCartContainer,.mcnCaptionTopContent,.mcnRecContentContainer,.mcnCaptionBottomContent,.mcnTextContentContainer,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer,.mcnImageGroupContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightImageContentContainer{ max-width:100% !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } In this first update of 2022, we introduce you to some people who are part of the “together” in our tagline “together we can end homelessness” TOGETHER we can end homelessness In this first update of the year, we take the opportunity to introduce you to a range of people who are part of the “together” in our tagline - “together we can end homelessness.” Getting to know you... Hapi We love introducing you to taumai. Today we hear from Hapi. Hapi in his own home. Hapi is a very sociable man who enjoys company, art and gardening. He has been homeless at several different times in his life, most recently sleeping in his van. Over the years, DCM has supported Hapi in many ways – in particular with food, support around his benefit and Work and Income, and with his mental and physical health. He has seen a dentist at DCM five times; each time he has been suffering considerable pain due to numerous broken and decayed teeth. Hapi has always enjoyed finding ways to give back; those of you who have visited DCM in Lukes Lane will have seen the carving he created to thank DCM for all the support he has received.  Hapi has not always kept the best of health. Needing a hip replacement, he was told that he would not be able to have the surgery unless he had a home to return to from the hospital. Our Aro Mai Housing First team stepped up to support Hapi to find a home in the area he most wanted to settle, the Hutt Valley. And so it was that last year, Hapi was housed in a property at the Hutt which was provided by a private landlord. Since then, Hapi has worked hard, transforming the property into a thriving garden where he grows potatoes, pumpkin, corn and tomatoes. He is a talented artist and many of his carvings and art works are on display in his whare, which he keeps very tidy. Hapi says it’s easy to keep the place clean when you live alone, but he also shares, “When you do get a house, you should make it the best you can”. Nearby at MIX (a mental health service offering programmes in art and wellbeing), Hapi now volunteers, sharing his artistic skills with his local community. Hapi with his DCM support worker Karen and his Emerge Aotearoa tenancy manager Victor. Taumai who are housed through the Aro Mai Housing First collaboration are supported by two key people - their own wrap-around kaimahi, and a tenancy manager whose focus is on supporting the most vulnerable tenants to thrive in their homes. What does it mean for Hapi to have his own whare? “A roof over your head for starters. But more than that. It takes the worries off. I’m not having to rely on others and I can stand on my own two feet”. And the best things about his whare? “I’m fenced in and I’m a bit off the street, so it’s quiet. And my neighbours are beautiful to me. I think it’s important to put people in the right properties. And this is the right place for me.” Next month we will introduce you to Dev, the landlord who purchased this home for Hapi to live in. If you would like to know more about how you can provide homes for the people we are supporting out of homelessness, please get in touch with our Director. <!-- --> Getting to know you... Mary We love hearing from our supporters (kaitautoko). Those of you who follow DCM on Facebook will have noted that this year we are featuring a different kaitautoko each Monday. We are calling this Manaakitanga Monday. So many of you are part of our mahi to end homelessness – this is why DCM has adopted the tagline “together we can end homelessness”. And so each month, we will also feature one of our supporters in our monthly update. Mary Hutchinson headed out with Karen and Victor to visit Hapi this month. She is a GP and a keen photographer who has volunteered her time and skill to support DCM from time to time with photo shoots. Arriving at Hapi’s whare, she realised that she had met him – and photographed him – before! Just some of the photos which Mary has taken for DCM. Mary takes up the story: “I have known about DCM and your great work for many years. In my role as a GP at Newtown Union Health, we were often supporting the same people as DCM. I clearly remember visiting Pat Hill at Te Aro Health during the early days. She introduced me to a man who was sleeping under the motorway, who had no home and no income or benefit. She talked about DCM being a key organisation in the city, working with marginalised people. “More recently, I have been able to support DCM in a different way. I enjoy being able to go out with members of the DCM team to take photos, when they need these. I have met some lovely people and heard some great stories. Like Alexi. I so enjoyed getting to know him and hearing his story – about how he had been supported to get housed by DCM, and had gone on to work at DCM. I went out with Alexi to the home of a taumai who needed support in cleaning and caring for his whare. I am thrilled to hear that Alexi is still working at DCM and has gone on to a fulltime role on your team. Mary first met Hapi back in 2017 when she took this photo of him with his aunt. Five years later, Mary is photographed standing in the same spot in Newtown. “I first met Hapi in 2017 in Newtown. He was out on Riddiford Street, talking to his aunt, Connie. It was late in the day, and they were happy to have me photograph them. His face, his smile, his warmth – they were unforgettable. When I headed out to take the photos of a man who DCM was supporting, I didn’t realise that it was Hapi, that it was someone who I had met before. He immediately recognised me, and he went to get the photos I had taken of him five years ago. Yes, he had them with him, there in his new whare. What a privilege to be able to go on and take new photos of him, with the people who have supported him in to a home of his own, and who are working with him so that he can truly thrive in his home. “When I get to meet (and sometimes photograph) the taumai you work with, they demonstrate a sense of pride – in what they have achieved, in what you have achieved together. Something great has happened to them, and they value this. At DCM, you always lift them up, build them up. This is such a contrast to so many other portrayals of these people. And I too am lifted up by being able to be part of your mahi.” <!-- --> Getting to know you... Megan We love introducing you to members of our team (kaimahi). Today we hear from Megan; she has been part of the amazing team of nurses from Te Aro Health who run a satellite clinic here at DCM. Farewelling Megan - After more than 12 years at Te Aro Health, the team farewelled Megan this month. DCM’s Director Stephen Turnock thanks Megan and presents her with flowers on her final day at DCM (left) and Megan at her desk at Te Aro Health on her final day (right). "I have absolutely loved working at Te Aro Health. Leaving is very difficult. I love the patients; I love what we do. Everybody is entitled to respect and to healthcare, and we are committed to delivering both. I have especially loved the team – close-knit, stable and so supportive. They are really good clinicians, and all of them are passionate, good-hearted people. We are united in our mahi, a true team, and all committed to manaakitanga. "I have valued and will miss the connections with patients. There are those who DCM and Te Aro Health have supported over many years who regard us as their family, like Cheryl. I have loved getting to know people like Johnny - getting to the stage in our connection where he has shared stories of his childhood; we have shared our life stories with one another. He used to ride horses, something he really misses now. His father would go out rabbit or possum trapping. It was a different time, a whole different life. What a privilege to share these memories. "A highlight from our collaboration, and my time working here? Well, look at the fantastic team effort recently, as we all supported Jane (not her real name) during the final weeks of her life. She was a private person, and there had been years of little engagement. But we were the ones she let in during those final weeks, days and hours. She died surrounded by people, in a room full of sparkles, balloons and colour. She died just before her birthday, so the team at DCM had decided to celebrate her birthday early and fill her room with joy. I feel very privileged to have been part of her journey, especially during those last weeks. "I am so lucky to have had this experience. And if there is anyone reading this who would love to use their nursing or GP skills to support the most marginalised, I encourage you to have a chat with Bronwyn at Te Aro Health. There are roles there, and opportunities for you too to be part of this amazing mahi. Together, we are all achieving something very special.” Megan shares more about her career and time at Te Aro Health Centre in this story on our website. Bronwyn Boele Van Hensbroek-Miller is a nurse practitioner and a registered midwife who is the clinic lead at Te Aro Health. You can get in touch with her here. <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Happy New Year from team DCM
      • 96 Happy New Year from team DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Looking back - and looking forward to 2022 Looking back over 2021 Here at DCM, we like to celebrate the special moments that can be found in each and every day. In 2021, we have been sharing one such moment every week via our social media channels - on “Taumai Tuesday”. Here we look back on a year of Taumai Tuesdays... We celebrated when taumai moved into their own homes, often after many years of homelessness - like Peter and Jason. Jason sent us a letter soon after: "Dear DCM crew, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for helping me onto the next step of my journey and finding me a house. I'd like to acknowledge the humbleness and humility within your organisation, and the way you all treated me as nothing less than human. For that I am truly grateful." We loved being able to take taumai who had recently been housed, out shopping to purchase much needed items for their new whare. This was made possible by the generous donations of vouchers that some of you provided. At DCM we celebrate tuku atu tuku mai - when taumai are able to lift up others. Frankie made a beautiful speech of acknowledgement on the day John Buckerfield took his 100th dental session at DCM. Trevor popped in to DCM to let us know that it was exactly 9 years since DCM supported him in to a home of his own, and to thank us for always being there for him. And Uoneone came in to thank us for a birthday card he had received in the post from DCM. “I didn’t even know it was my birthday!” he laughed. We are all lifted up when taumai express their thoughts and their thanks through the written word. We shared some of these with you on Taumai Tuesdays. And in a year which was once again overshadowed by COVID, we celebrated the courage of taumai who stepped up to be vaccinated. For so many of them, this was very challenging, yet they picked up the paddle (ki te hoe), often sharing with us the many different reasons why they decided to be vaccinated. In 2022 our weekly focus will be on our supporters, the many different individuals, groups, businesses and communities who, like you, make this amazing mahi possible. If you don’t already follow DCM on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter click our links so that you too can acknowledge 52 different supporters who are part of “together we can end homelessness”. <!-- --> Looking...and seeing clearly Here at DCM, we are farewelling a very special supporter - our retiring eye doctor Paul Herrick. Paul’s contribution to the most vulnerable people in our community has also been acknowledged by his profession, with a story about his work at DCM featuring in NZ Optics magazine. We share part of the story below; you can read it in full here. “We have so valued Paul’s generosity and commitment to the vulnerable people we work with every day at DCM,” said Michelle Scott, DCM’s manager of health services. “When he first approached us, we hadn’t even dreamed of being able to offer this kind of support. To see people leave with a pair of glasses and a big smile on their faces says it all.” Reflecting on the years he has volunteered his ophthalmology expertise at DCM’s hub in Lukes Lane, Wellington, Dr Herrick said he found the eye complaints very similar to those he encountered at hospital. “It’s a place of triage. Some patients just need reading glasses, others need to see an optometrist for refraction, while some, mostly with cataracts, are referred to Wellington Hospital.” “In some ways, it is a drop-in clinic. And, in the course of a few hours, many can be seen and helped. Unless you offer a service like this, at a place where the most marginalised people genuinely feel welcome and so spend time, you don’t find out what the issues are and what support is needed.” Herrick’s patients - or ‘taumai’ as DCM calls them, meaning ‘to settle’ - are grateful for the eye health services provided. “I was having blurred vision and starting to get pretty worried about my eyes,” said taumai Jay Jay. “Paul checked my vision and told me I might have what’s called a macular hole. He’s now referred me to a specialist and I’m making sure I get along to my appointments so this can be fixed.” Athena discovered she had cataracts after seeing Herrick. “I wanted to get on top of my health concerns, so I saw Paul. He found out I had cataracts! That was a big surprise. I’m pleased though, because he explained to me that this can be treated, so I’m looking forward to getting it sorted soon,” she said. “I’m just one of a whole community who brings their skills to DCM,” said Dr Herrick, adding that his dentist, David Corcoran, regularly offers taumai dental sessions at DCM. “The fascinating thing about working here has been meeting such a broad cross-section of people. Some come in with a backpack containing all their worldly possessions. When I was making a referral to the hospital, one man gave his address as ‘The Soup Kitchen’. The most amazing thing for me, however, has been watching the DCM staff, how they are with people, how they know all of them by name. It’s a very special place and it has been very special for me to be part of this work.” DCM is keen to connect with other eyecare professionals who may like to help out occasionally at DCM. For more info, please email Matt. <!-- --> Looking ahead - to 2022 Several of our kaimahi are looking forward to new experiences in 2022. Some have just joined team DCM, while others are leaving to take up new challenges. Dom and the Outreach team Dom: “There is a living culture here, which runs right through this place. New people come in, they see the culture in operation and in evidence, and they pick up on it. We are patient, we are forgiving of some of the behaviours which other organisations can’t see past. We don’t encourage it or facilitate it, but the important thing is that we welcome and work with these people. I planned to stay two years and I have done that and more. There have been many challenges along the way. All of us, kaimahi and taumai, are faced with a housing crisis and rising rents. We are all impacted by the global pandemic. We have so much in common. There is definitely something special about this place. It’s the taumai. Yes, this is what I will miss most about DCM - the very special people who have allowed me to walk alongside them, to be part of their journey. I have been so lifted up by them all.” Jay and George head out to deliver food support to taumai during lockdown Jay: “There has never been a day when I have NOT wanted to come to work here at DCM! I can’t say that about anywhere else I have worked. This is a testament to the people, and to the mahi, at DCM. No two days are ever the same. In many work places you can come in on a Monday and plan your week. Here, you come in on a Monday and cannot even plan your Monday afternoon! And at DCM we truly manaaki taumai. As an organisation, we are absolutely true to our core values. The time has come for me to return to Rotorua for a while, to support my parents at a difficult time. I am going to continue this mahi with Emerge. I feel very lucky to have found a role which I believe will hold the same core values as we have here at DCM. And I am going to do this because the mahi here has been so amazing. I am continuing the journey I have started on here. This will be my way of honouring the taumai and kaimahi at DCM, and I am going to carry a little bit of everyone with me.” New kaimahi Kendra especially loves being part of a team which feels more like whānau Kendra: “I didn’t even know about DCM until my lecturer at university told me about this place. He suggested I come down to DCM to see if it was a place I might like to do my placement for my social work qualification. I had an interview with Paula and Natalia, and began my placement not knowing what to expect. And of course I loved it, and never wanted to leave. In November I took on a role working full time at DCM. I love the environment, the relationships with taumai, and the way we all help and support one another. I haven’t worked in a true team environment like this before. You don’t have to have a specific qualification; we all bring different skills and talents to the team. All you need to have is a passion for building relationships and rapport with the most vulnerable people, and a can-do attitude. If this sounds like you, come and join my team!” <!-- --> ...and as you also look ahead - to 2022 At this time of year, we know that we all look ahead, and think about what we might like to achieve in the new year. If you, or anyone you know, is thinking that they might like a change of job, or - even better - that they would LOVE to work at a place like DCM, please encourage them to get in touch with us. You can read about some of the opportunities here:   Kaimahi/Key Worker AOD Counsellor/Key Worker Role Housing Procurement Specialist We also need more dental assistants. You can read more about this mahi here and please get in touch with Matt if you would like to know more about opportunities to work at the DCM Dental Service. ....or maybe you would like to become part of the amazing team of individuals who make a small but regular contribution to our mahi. We really could NOT do what we do without you guys having our backs. There are a couple of different ways in which you can do this:   Support DCM Join One Percent Collective <!-- --> We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well.   Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? 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    • November Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Fiona's story Fiona's story My name is Fiona, and I am very proud to be part of the team at DCM. I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to have this job, and I just love it! But I have always been a worker. I was born in Christchurch in 1962; I was the only girl and grew up with my six brothers. We had to earn our own money because mum and dad were pretty broke. Dad was a slaughter man but it was seasonal work, and my mum was a nurse. We used to go around the streets with home grown veges in a wheelbarrow, my brothers and I. We did raspberry picking on weekends, and I had a paper round. I then went into the shearing sheds, shearing sheep with my brothers. From the age of 15, I was a gang member. Robert Muldoon set up a scheme to help gangs back then, to help them get into work and off the street. I started my apprenticeship to become a chef – it took four years: the first year in the vege room, the second year washing dishes, third year kitchen-hand and in the fourth year I went from third cook, to second to first cook. My gangster career ended when I got a long prison sentence. I made the decision right there and then: I don’t need the gang. I would stand on my own two feet – finally. I used the system to better myself. I joined kapa haka which built my confidence and self-esteem. I put my head down, supported myself in prison by bone carving, and went to all the groups I could think of to sort out my issues. I sat School Cert and academically I grew. But after all those years in jail, when I got out, I realised I still needed to grow emotionally. DCM was there for me when I needed them most. Let me tell you about that. I moved to Wellington 12 years ago where I married my husband. He got cancer and I looked after him for 3 months before he passed away. That led to me abusing alcohol. I moved to a one bedroom flat in Island Bay where I thought I could start over but things went downhill from there. I lost my job, didn’t pay my rent and found myself on the verge of homelessness, and suicide. My power was getting cut off and I was told that I couldn’t go on a benefit for 13 weeks. I heard about this organisation in the city called DCM, so I walked in from Island Bay, asking for help along the way. I believe if I didn’t come down Lukes Lane that day, I would have given up there and then. That’s when my life changed. DCM worked with me to help me get into a new place which I’m still in today. I got on to DCM’s money management programme which helped me pay my rent and bills on time, and debts as well. I’m debt-free today! And I have savings for the first time too. It’s amazing. There are many other great memories of my time as taumai at DCM. The Te Reo classes were very special, and I just loved being part of the DCM Ukes - the rehearsals at Wesley Church, performing at Thanksgiving and other events at DCM. I got a lot out of the self-management for health and wellbeing course I did at DCM too. Yup, DCM supported me when I needed it most, and now I am honoured to be able to support other taumai. I began by volunteering to cook at the DCM Bookfair. On Christmas Day I was part of the team at Te Aro Community Centre feeding the whānau. Then DCM started running peer support courses, and several of the team suggested that I should take part. After the course, I finished off my CV and applied for some of the roles going. I started as a paid support worker – a kaiawhina – at DCM in February 2020, just before the COVID lock-down. During the first lock-down I was working with taumai in emergency housing. We were mainly at the old Night Shelter, doing welfare checks, and other peer support work. Back at DCM, it has just been brilliant. I love the whānau! And especially the equality – being treated the same. I’ve worked all my life but I have never before been in an environment where people are treated as equally as they are at DCM. Peer support can cover a whole lot of tasks. I can be working in Te Hāpai in the mornings, interacting with taumai. I’m there to listen, observe and support. In the afternoons, I may be out with other kaimahi on home visits. We have a lot of taumai who have recently been housed, and we go in to support them. I do the basics – cleaning and showing taumai how to clean. We’ve dealt with hoarders, people who have a lot of challenges, and people who don’t even know how to cook a piece of toast. But generally our taumai take great pride in their whare. They just need the utensils. I ask them what their favourite food is. If it’s scrambled eggs, we make sure they have a frying pan and a whisk, along with some of the basics we take for granted, like a toaster or a microwave. And I love the “Welcome to Your Whare” packs which DCM puts together for people moving in to a home. All those cleaning items are expensive for taumai. Providing them with the basics, and seeing the pride on their faces when they ki te hoe (pick up the paddle), and take care of their own whare, that is a special privilege. I am able to do more and more, to take the initiative. I have a clean driver’s licence, so I can help with driving, shopping, deliveries and home visits. I have finished a Literacy Aotearoa course and am three-quarters of the way through achieving a certificate in health and wellbeing which Paula has been helping me with. I want to do to anything I can to keep developing my skills. Because DCM has given me an amazing opportunity, and I want to grab it with both hands, and to really play my part on this very special team. Most of my work now is with the Aro Mai Housing First team, supporting people who have long histories of homelessness. Photo shoot by Gabrielle McKone. Let me tell you about one man we have housed recently. Patrick* is a long-term rough sleeper who struggles with a critical mental health condition and severe substance abuse, as well as the after-effects of traumatic experiences from his childhood. Now he has his own home – thanks to a local landlord who provided the team with a whare. Twice each week I head out with Patrick’s keyworker to check in on him; we make sure he is doing okay and looking after his whare. To begin with, there was so much about living in a house that he didn’t understand. He didn’t know how to take the washing out of the machine, hold a vacuum cleaner or wipe the benches down. It is the simple stuff that we can show him, and which makes such a difference. Things like what to do with cigarette butts – you don’t drop them on the floor when you have a whare. And we celebrate the small changes – like rather than leaving his dirty clothes scattered all over the floor, he now puts them into his washing basket. Yes, now he is really looking after his home – it looks great. This year I have also been double vaccinated – right here at DCM. It wasn’t easy for me, and it took a while to make the decision. But then we had a vaccine day with Bronwyn from Te Aro Health. I know and trust her and her team, and then I saw taumai who were getting their vaccines and they were so brave. Finally, my fellow kaiawhina Rochelle encouraged me, and we decided to do it together. I am so pleased that we did, because we can now support our taumai, and we know how much they are going to need our support when COVID hits Wellington. Our work will be even more important, and much needed.  Our ultimate goal is to end homelessness and I believe we will get there. We’re all part of the solution. And the work we do here at DCM is a major part of that solution. I am proud and privileged to be part of this team. <!-- --> Jordon Jordon was recently housed thanks to another local landlord who provided a whare, and the support of our Aro Mai Housing First team. This is the first time Jordon has been housed in over a decade. When her keyworker Bella asked her what the best part of having her own whare is, she shared “Having my very own bed - being on the streets is really hard”. We love to be able to lift up taumai like Jordon who have done the hard mahi needed to get housed. Bella was able to take her out shopping thanks to those of you have have donated vouchers. Jordon got herself some items for her bathroom, sheets and two new pillows. “I am excited to be able to put bedding on the spare bed so that I can have family to come stay, hopefully my youngest son... Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate it.” Ka mau te wehi Jordon! <!-- --> Acknowledging David Zwartz At DCM’s AGM this month, we were able to acknowledge the contribution of retiring board member, David Zwartz, who joined the DCM board in 2005. A member of Temple Sinai and a past President of the New Zealand Jewish Council, David has been a passionate advocate for interfaith cooperation. He is proud of the different perspectives which are now involved in DCM’s governance, and hopes that this will continue to widen. Thank you David for all your mahi on behalf of the most marginalised people in our community. <!-- --> Re-stocking our Foodbank Kia ora rawa atu ki a koutou! Thank you to everyone who purchased items for our Foodbank re-stock on Saturday, to New World Chaffers and Wesley Church for providing the venues, and to our lovely team of volunteers who gave up their time to collect the items and sort them. If you weren’t able to get down to the city last weekend, we would love any groceries you are able to drop in to our collection bin at New World Chaffers. And our friends at Ngaio Union Church accept donations for our Foodbank on the first Saturday morning of each month. That means that you can drop some items to them this weekend.  <!-- --> How can I help? As we look ahead to 2022, and a time when COVID will be in our communities and a part of our daily lives, we know that the people DCM supports will be the most impacted. They will need our support more than ever as they experience illness and isolation, many of them without any family support. If you would like to make a donation to DCM this Christmas so that we can continue to provide this level of support to the most vulnerable in the year ahead, please visit our website. If you are, or know, a landlord who would like to speak with us about providing a home for people like Patrick and Jordon, our Director, Stephen Turnock would love to hear from you. Together, and at the most challenging of times, we will continue to do something very special. <!-- --> *Not his real name. We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well.   Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Douglas shares his story - October at DCM
      • 96 Douglas shares his story - October at DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Douglas is a warm-hearted man of Samoan descent who has faced many challenges in his life, struggling to find spaces to belong. Douglas's story 'O LE TAGATA MA LONA AIGA, O LE TAGATA MA LONA FA'ASINOMAGA' 'A person and their family is a person and their identity' - Samoan muagagana (whakatauki) Douglas is a warm-hearted man of Samoan descent who has faced many challenges in his life, struggling to find spaces to belong. From childhood, things have not been easy for him. He was removed from his family at a young age, and as an adult has struggled with addictions, and poor health. He has been able to hold down a tenancy at some times in his life, while at others he has cycled through various forms of homelessness – rough sleeping, couch surfing, emergency accommodation and the Night Shelter. Douglas has connected with many different DCM kaimahi since he first walked through our doors in 2008, in particular our Pasifika and Māori staff. Over the years, he has been supported by a wide range of DCM services. When he was unable to access a bank account and benefit, this gap was filled by DCM’s Money Management Service. DCM has supported him with budgeting and Work and Income advocacy, and with sorting his debts. Douglas has received emergency dental treatment at DCM on several occasions, and has lost count of the number of times DCM has stepped in with food support for him when the money has run out. Douglas has now been housed for some time in Berhampore, with the support of DCM’s Sustaining Tenancies team. But perhaps even more importantly, DCM has been able to support Douglas to rebuild connection with his family, and to connect and find his place in his own community. Photo shoot by Nikki Parlane. “I was born in Wellington and grew up in a Samoan family. My father was the caretaker at Wesley Methodist Church on Taranaki Street. I was the ‘black sheep’ of my family. I didn’t see eye to eye with my father or my brothers due to my sexuality,” Douglas shares, “which isn’t just a Christian thing, it’s also cultural. Growing up, I didn’t feel loved because of who I was. It was hard for them to accept me.” But through it all, Douglas never lost his desire to reconnect with his whānau. This disconnection and sense of rejection had a lasting impact on him, and on his mental health and addictions. As DCM built stronger connections with Douglas, it became clear how very important this reconnection was for Douglas’s wellbeing. Sia To’omaga is DCM’s Practice Lead. Her team delivers DCM’s Sustaining Tenancies and Community Connections programmes. They work with vulnerable tenants in their communities so that they do not fall back into homelessness, and are supported to thrive in their lives. “We have so many connections with Douglas,” says Sia. “Even before he came to DCM back in 2008, he already knew Regina from the Benefit Rights Service, where she used to work. And Douglas and I have a family connection. So when I came to DCM I already knew his whānau. And I knew Douglas was estranged from them, and how much this had affected his life. When his father died, it was a chance for him to reconnect. We made sure he was decked out in new clothes and new shoes and Regina and I took him to the funeral. He had to sit up front. That was a huge moment for Douglas, and the significance of that moment is hard to explain. Mostly it was a time to heal old wounds. Since then Douglas has been trying to make sense of his world. By the time of his brother's funeral, his relationship with his whānau had improved massively.” “I was left out in the dark,” agrees Douglas, “until I lost my parents. Then, my relationship with my brothers started to improve. Finally, when my older brother died, I was able to really connect with my other siblings, and we’ve been a lot closer since.” In Samoan, so'otaga refers to the making of connections, and feso'otaga to the connectivity between people. The past 12 months have brought more challenges for Douglas. The Covid-19 lockdown was hard on him – “There were no positives for me – though I understand it’s better to be safe than sorry. The hardest part for me was being stuck in a bubble. I wanted to reach out to my brothers and nieces, but I couldn’t.” He has also been coping with other health concerns. Recent surgery has made accessibility to his whare a challenge, but with DCM’s support, he is working through that as well. And the past year has brought positives too. Douglas is really enjoying connecting with DCM and his community at his local community centre. Sia and DCM’s Sustaining Tenancies team lead DCM’s community connections programme. When people move into their own homes, we want to spend time with them in their new communities, rather than having them come in to DCM in Lukes Lane. This programme is focused on building strong connections between taumai and their neighbours and other groups close to their homes, so that they can not only sustain their tenancies, but thrive – in their lives and their communities. Douglas rates the Community Connections programme highly. “I think it’s a good move. It’s good for people to see DCM out in the community. A lot of people don’t know what DCM’s about, so it’s great that the staff can catch up with people right where they live. It’s not just those of us who have been supported by DCM for years who can be part of this, but others who are struggling too.” Sophie McKenna is the lead dentist at the DCM Dental Service. Her calm and reassuring manner is a taonga, and she is able to support taumai who have considerable anxiety around dental treatment. At an emergency appointment at DCM this year, Douglas saw dentist Sophie McKenna, who discovered that he had a bad infection which needed urgent treatment. Sophie was then able to catch up with Douglas at DCM’s first mobile dental clinic right in his own community at DCM's Community Connections programme there. She checked on his progress, and explained how a referral for dentures could work to better improve his oral health. Douglas has been following this up and is getting along to the hospital appointments needed to make that happen. He has also been fully vaccinated against Covid at DCM’s vaccination clinics, and is regularly attending counselling sessions. “Mama Dee suggested I keep that going, so I will.” During his life Douglas has done a lot of voluntary work, especially with Pasifika social services where his fluency in both English and Samoan has been an asset. He has to focus on getting his health back on track first, but then he really wants to get involved with peer support at DCM, so that he can support others to build connections. He knows how very important this is. “I’ve had some tough times,” says Douglas, “and DCM has been there to back me up. Thank you to all those I’ve connected with over the years. And especially to Sia, Regina, Stephanie, Alan, Ula and now Mama Dee. Thank you for being there for me.” “The majority of the people who come to DCM are estranged from their families,” says Sia. “When we have the privilege to be part of whānau reunification – at any level – it is such a beautiful thing. We don't take the positions we have here for granted!” Douglas is on a pathway to the life he has wanted for so long, a life in which he has his own place to call home, and regular contact with his family. His is a story about the importance of connections, and about the transformation that can take place in the lives of the most vulnerable when we are able to support them to build and rebuild those connections – with their whānau, with us and with their communities.   <!-- --> In the news... Interview with Stephen This month DCM’s Director Stephen Turnock talked about our mahi with Maggie from Radio Active, DCM’s neighbours in Lukes Lane. Tune in to hear the interview here! COVID vaccination clinics The New Zealand Herald visited DCM to learn more about the COVID vaccination clinics which DCM and Te Aro Health have been running for the most vulnerable people in Wellington. Read all about it here. Saturday 16 October saw DCM kaimahi out encouraging New Zealanders to get vaccinated. Super Saturday And of course also in the news this month has been the Super Saturday Vaxathon. DCM kaimahi headed out on the streets that day to encourage people to take the opportunity to get vaccinated and to point them in the right direction. This is one very important thing we can do to protect the most marginalised in our community, including those who are experiencing homelessness. One of these DCM kaimahi was Bella from the Aro Mai Housing First team. “It was genuinely a fun day,” she tells us. “People were really positive. Most were already double vaxxed but we had quite a few people asking to be pointed in the direction of the vaccination centres – wanting to make the most of the walk in, no booking opportunity. Lots of people who were already vaccinated thanked us for the effort. I got myself vaccinated when DCM first got called up. Being a young, healthy person, I didn't really get vaccinated for myself. Rather I got vaccinated for those who are more vulnerable...my grandparents, taumai, those who are immunocompromised. If me getting vaccinated can play any part in protecting these vulnerable people, then I'm happy to do this. To those who are hesitant, I would suggest that you take the same approach. I understand being worried about the impact it might have on you, but if you can – it really is the selfless decision to protect those more vulnerable than you.” <!-- --> How can I help? Get vaccinated! Here at DCM we are doing everything we can to ensure the Covid vaccine is as accessible for taumai as possible, and you can help protect the most marginalised in our community by getting vaccinated too. It has never been easier. Help us re-stock our Foodbank On the first Saturday of the month, Ngaio Union Church open their doors to receive food to help re-stock DCM's Foodbank shelves. Please bring along any food items you would like to donate on Saturday 6 November to 3 Kenya Street between 10am-12pm. We also have a Foodbank bin at New World Chaffers where you can drop items off anytime. And on the fourth Saturday in November we will be holding our Christmas Foodbank Appeal. Follow our Facebook page for more updates or if you would like to help, please get in touch with Matt. Vouchers for taumai We asked; you delivered! Thanks to all of you who donated vouchers for us to take taumai out to purchase items for their new whare. Sharnia is someone who has had a really tough time, and we're proud to see the progress she has made right up to being housed recently. Bella was able to take her to Briscoes to choose for herself some much needed items for her new home. Sharnia really enjoyed this: “Thank you so much, this is so fun, I’m excited!” We have now used up these vouchers and would love to receive more so that other taumai doing the hard mahi to get housed can also be lifted up in this way. If you can help with this, please drop off vouchers to DCM or visit our website. A heads up... On Tuesday 23 November at 5:30pm we will be holding the DCM Annual General Meeting. This may be able to be held in person, and/or we may need to facilitate this year’s AGM by Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email us and we will be in touch with further details. <!-- --> *We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well.   Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • Lifting up the most marginalised during Lockdown 2021
      • 96 Lifting up the most marginalised during Lockdown 2021 p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Lockdown 2021 has seen us working together once again to ensure that the most marginalised are supported at this challenging time. Lifting up the most marginalised during Lockdown 2021 Just as we did in 2020, Lockdown 2021 has seen us working together once again, to ensure that the most marginalised are supported at this challenging time. From DCM kaimahi, to our team of health professionals, to our wonderful supporters - here members of team DCM talk about their work supporting the most marginalised during the latest lockdown. Natalia Outreach team Natalia and Joanne headed out on outreach together during lockdown. “We had a pair on outreach every day during lockdown, following up on notifications sent to us from the council or the public. We had way more notifications in the three weeks at levels 3 and 4 than we had had in the previous entire month. During lockdown, everyone on team DCM works together, doing whatever it takes to support taumai* during these challenging times. Members of our Outreach team have manned the 0800 number, been scribe support for kaimahi who were on the ground, supported on-site sessions, and delivered food and welfare checks, all on top of following up on notifications. Members of other teams have also gone out with us when we have needed support. Joanne has been a fantastic member of team DCM for some years now; she is currently part of the Aro Mai Housing First team out at the Hutt. One afternoon during lockdown, Joanne and I were doing street outreach around the Wellington CBD. We had some notifications to check on, and as we were walking back to base we came across a taumai who everyone at DCM had been trying to find during the week – we wanted to get him into the emergency accommodation (EH) that had been booked for him. With appropriate social distancing, Joanne and I were able to bundle him and his blankets up and to walk him about a kilometre up the road to the EH where he happily checked in. It helped that Joanne bought him some coffee, sugar and milk and promised him that she would deliver a food parcel to him the next day; this was enough incentive for him to stay. It was a job very well done, and at last we were able to head back to the office. Just before we got to Dixon Street who did we see, but another taumai who everyone at DCM had been looking for and trying to get into the accommodation. After a bit of convincing (and half of Joanne’s cheese scone – boy she’s good!!), he too turned around and followed us up to the accommodation and happily checked in. What a long, but successful day that one was! When the rest of the city goes in to lockdown, DCM and our NGO colleagues continue to fill the void that other agencies and businesses leave when they close their doors. For example, people can contact MSD case managers by phone, but what if you don’t have a phone or any money to buy one? People who have no fixed abode and lose their Eftpos cards can’t access their money because the banks are closed and so they cannot go into a bank to order a new card. Rather they would have to log in to internet banking (a barrier for most of the people we work with) and have a bank card sent to their address (another barrier for many taumai). In these real life lockdown examples, DCM has stepped in to give people cell phones with credit, and to organise for benefits to be sent to DCM’s MMS account and taumai given DCM Eftpos cards in the meantime, so they can access their money. We leave the safety of our own homes and safe bubbles, to continue to offer face to face, daily support for people who cannot access some basic human rights, because those who provide the services aren’t able to offer a solution that meets the needs of their most marginalised clients.” George Aro Mai Housing First team George and Jay load up the car with food parcels to be delivered to taumai during lockdown. “I joined the team at DCM in June, so I was still a fairly new team member when we went back in to lockdown. We were immediately paired up with a bubble partner; I was paired with Jay and the two of us worked together throughout the lockdown period. I would begin my working day by checking flags and emails, before heading out to pick up Jay. We always had one in the front and one in the back when we were together in a car. We would arrive at DCM at our allocated time to load our food parcels into the car. Jay and I would make a plan as to where we should head first – delivering food parcels, checking in on someone who is isolated, ensuring people have their money cards, or getting a phone to someone who doesn’t have one. I would drive, Jay would sit in the back and keep checking our list of addresses and phone numbers for the taumai who needed our support. We called taumai when we arrived or we knocked. People were so pleased to see us and thankful for the food and social contact. DCM had allocated a scribe for the day to each pair bubble, so we would phone our scribe and get them to type up any notes for us into the database, or do any research we needed done. Often extra things came up, like one man who we were delivering a food parcel to who told us he needed his prescription renewed. We were able to sort this over the phone.   When we were not going out to connect with taumai, we spent a lot of time working to get others into emergency housing. We connected people with the health and other supports they needed, supported them with budgeting and access to money, and found out things for them, like if they needed to go to court under level 3. We were involved in many meetings by Zoom. We were every bit as busy during lockdown as we would be on an average day at DCM, and we were able to provide the same level of support, safely – by being creative, committed and kind.” Delena Sustaining Tenancies team Delena is part of the Sustaining Tenancies team, working with vulnerable tenants at risk of falling back in to homelessness and delivering DCM’s community connections programme. Photo by Nikki Parlane. “During the lockdown period, DCM was divided into different bubbles. I enjoyed being in a bubble with Tabitha from the Aro Mai Housing First team. This was a great opportunity to get to know someone from another team. We would start our day by planning it out geographically – figure out who we needed to visit and where they lived to make things as smooth-sailing as possible. Food was definitely an important support for taumai during lockdown, and we were able to take food parcels to those who needed them, leaving them at their door. It can be a challenge for taumai to prepare their own meals. It’s not just the skills, but often they don’t have access to even basic items like can-openers. We had two taumai in their own bubble; I made it my mission to get them an appropriate food parcel so they could eat together. They have been a good example of how our taumai support one another, how important this has been during lockdown, and how a simple thing like preparing a meal together can give them such a sense of achievement. One other thing we discovered all over again was that our taumai were desperate for someone to talk to.  Some of them would be calling over and over again on the 0800 number, and we knew they needed the reassurance of a visit to settle them. We were able to speak with them at a safe distance during lockdown. It’s in their faces – you can always see in the eyes of our taumai how important the time we spend with them is to them.” Sophie Lead Dentist Sophie ran a dental session at DCM as soon as we moved back to Level 2, providing emergency treatment to those taumai who were in the most pain. “At any level of lockdown I am just on the other end of the phone. We can triage taumai's needs and from what is being described, I'll quickly be able to tell if they need an urgent appointment at the hospital or if we can put a band aid on in the form of antibiotics, until DCM is able to open again. Fortunately emailing prescriptions has been made much easier nowadays. And as soon as we were back at level 2, we dentists were able to get back to DCM to run emergency dental sessions for those in the most pain. Taumai have been absolutely amazing, working in with DCM's level 2 safety guidelines, and as always, the people we're seeing here don't have easy access to dental care. It is great to be back on site here at DCM where they feel comfortable.” Stephen Director, DCM Stephen and Paula were one of the pair bubbles who led on site sessions at DCM, working differently to ensure support could be provided to the most marginalised in a safe way. Photo by Nikki Parlane. “At DCM, we were one of the few organisations able to continue to support the most marginalised people in our city face to face during alert level 4. We know that our taumai are even more vulnerable and isolated at times like this. How do we respond as an essential service, when others have closed their doors? The great news is that taumai were able to engage with us on our 0800 number, with some in-person mahi delivered at a safe distance.  Another key focus for us has been to ensure taumai have access to the COVID vaccine. Offering the vaccine at DCM during alert level 4 was challenging, but also absolutely necessary. We know how very vulnerable these people are to the Delta variant.  And yesterday, we were able to offer a third vaccine day at DCM, with even more of the most vulnerable receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine. If there are any ways we at DCM can ensure taumai are not even more marginalised as a result of COVID and lockdowns, we will search them out and deliver them. This has always been DCM’s kaupapa, and is what we are all about. We know this is why so many of you support our mahi, and why you have stepped up again during lockdown 2021, donating money and food so that we can carry on.” The Wellington community Together we can end homelessness During lockdown, taumai like Mahir were so appreciative of the groceries we were able to leave for them on their doorsteps. Lockdown 2021 has again reminded us that the people of Wellington really do have our backs, and the backs of our taumai. A number of you have made donations to DCM during this time, to enable us to continue to do the mahi which members of the team have shared with you here. During the lockdown levels, DCM has provided far more food support to the most vulnerable people than we usually would – and as a result, our foodbank shelves have been emptied. Many of you have understood this, and stepped up to help. From the Freemasons Charity, the St John’s Trust Op Shop and St. John's in the City who provided extra dollars for us to purchase food, to New World Chaffers who, when they received a large order from us, provided all of the items as a donation. Ngaio Union Church opened their doors to people who wanted to donate food items for DCM to re-stock our foodbank; the two women seen here with minister Sue Brown travelled all the way from Miramar where the Grind Health & Fitness gym had organised a collection. Ka mau te wehi! Last weekend, our friends at Ngaio Union Church opened their doors for local people to bring in food donations to restock our shelves. Yes, Lockdown 2021 has provided many examples of how the Wellington community comes together to support DCM and the people we work with. If you would also like to help in this way, remember that you can donate groceries at any time to our foodbank bin at New World Chaffers, and that there are a number of different ways in which you can make donations to our work. <!-- --> *We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well.   Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • August Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
      • 96 August Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } "I chose to get vaccinated because..." Working together to protect taumai DCM and Te Aro Health Centre (TAHC) have a long history of working together to support the most marginalised people in our city. TAHC operates a satellite outreach clinic at DCM three mornings a week. Over the past month, a key joint focus has been on ensuring that these vulnerable people are protected against COVID-19. The importance of this was brought into even sharper focus when our second vaccine clinic at DCM had to be postponed due to New Zealand entering another Level 4 lockdown. But as has always been the case at DCM, we found a way to make this work – and were able to continue to vaccinate those who need it most at a second vaccine day during lockdown. Here DCM’s Director, Stephen Turnock, and TAHC Nurse Practitioner/Clinic Lead, Bronwyn Boele van Hensbroek-Miller, talk about their shared commitment to the people who DCM calls taumai*. Before our first DCM vaccine day, we had lots of kōrero with taumai, ensuring they had the information they needed and that all their questions were answered. Here Bronwyn and Stephen lead a COVID vaccine information session at DCM. Stephen: Here at DCM this month, we have been reflecting on human rights – the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person. As a nation, we have signed up to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet so many of the people DCM supports do not have access to these basic rights. Article 25 states that everyone has 'the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and his family' – including medical care. Our partnership with Te Aro Health Centre (TAHC) is key to providing this care for the people who come through our doors. Bronwyn: Yes, at Te Aro Health, we believe that everyone has a right to maintain good health and to have access to high quality health services. We work to assist those in Wellington’s inner city, with low or no income, and with other barriers to accessing healthcare, to achieve and maintain good health. Our priority is to enrol those who are homeless, those with a history of drug and alcohol abuse and those who have a mental illness. It was a very different world when the first vaccine clinic was held at DCM pre-lockdown. Stephen: Having TAHC and a team of vaccinators offer the COVID-19 vaccine here at DCM has been great for taumai – for them, it's all about accessibility. Having the vaccine available at DCM where they feel comfortable, among people they trust, has been an important factor. Last year, during our first lockdown, Bronwyn and her team went out alongside DCM kaimahi to connect with taumai in emergency housing, offering flu shots and health support. Every week, they are here at DCM, seeing taumai and addressing any health needs they may have: from long-term health issues through to injuries, rapid testing and treatment for hepatitis, and of course their mental health needs. And when we were again not able to open at DCM in Lukes Lane during this month’s Level 4 lockdown, TAHC continued to offer their support including COVID tests from their own health rooms nearby. In the weeks preceding our vaccine days at DCM, we have spoken with taumai, answered their questions and heard them share their own reasons for getting vaccinated. For our first vaccine day, we offered transport to DCM for those who needed it, so that they could receive their vaccine. We provided kai, community and waiata to taumai as they waited with us for 20 minutes after their vaccine. And after this time, we cheered for each person as they left, thanking them for the part they have played in keeping themselves, their whānau and all of us – their community – safe. Bronwyn: And then when we found ourselves in another lockdown, we worked together to find a way to continue vaccinating safely. TAHC enormously values the collaboration we have with DCM so it was great that last week we were again able to offer vaccines at DCM under Level 4 – masked up and safely spaced – enabling dozens of taumai to receive their first dose, and many their second. Rough sleepers who have been very reluctant to be vaccinated came forward and showed such courage. They are doing their part, just as so many other New Zealanders are. Yes, this is just one more example of how we can support the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our community when we all work together. Last week, taumai were able to safely access a COVID vaccine at DCM under Level 4 thanks to Bronwyn and her team. 24 received their second doses, while 56 received their first. At this challenging time, DCM was also able to support them in other ways. One very vulnerable man received his vaccine, and then we were able to arrange emergency housing for him. <!-- --> "I chose to get vaccinated because..." Our director Stephen led the way and was the first member of team DCM to get vaccinated. "I chose to get vaccinated to not only protect myself and my whānau but also to protect my community and those I interact with on a daily basis. As a middle-aged Māori, I also recognise that we have an increased risk of infection, hospitalisation and death. Therefore if my choice to be vaccinated results in more health resources available for others in need...Tu meke!!!" Some of our kaimahi received their vaccine at DCM – to inspire taumai to get their vaccine too. Delena (Mama Dee) is a member of team DCM who heads out to community centres as part of DCM’s community connections mahi: “I chose to get vaccinated in order to become a safer member of my community – I did it for my whānau, my colleagues at DCM, and the wider community.” Fiona is one of DCM's kaiawhina (peer support workers). She received her vaccine here at DCM alongside taumai. "I chose to be vaccinated because I care about our whānau – both those we support here in this special community which is DCM, and my whānau down south. It was in the back of my mind for a while, but being able to get the vaccine here at DCM – well, it was a no-brainer." Manu was the first of many taumai to receive the COVID vaccine at DCM. "Why did I choose to get vaccinated? I have been coming to DCM for 16 years. It takes 10 years to get to know me! But now I feel comfortable here because I know you all, and you know me. And I was reminded of a verse – 'Evening passed and morning came'. We have all been through some tough times, but now there is something we can do for ourselves and for others." Nicole was also one of the first to line up for a vaccine at DCM. "I chose to get vaccinated because I'm pregnant and I want to protect my baby." Some taumai shared beautiful reflections with us. One man told us: "I know that my ancestors have got my back. I just imagined, 'what if I got COVID and took it back to my marae?' I couldn't face my ancestors... So I looked up to the sky and thought, 'we got this'." <!-- --> Supporting the most marginalised during lockdown DCM kaimahi have been working in designated pair "bubbles", to keep everyone safe. Here George and Jay are all loaded up and ready to hit the road, delivering much needed food support to taumai. At alert Level 4, we have not been able to invite taumai to spend time with us here at DCM, or to meet with them out in the community centres near to their homes when they are housed. However as always, DCM has remained committed to supporting the most marginalised in many different ways. Taumai can get hold of us on a dedicated 0800 number and phones are again available for those who need them. The Outreach team has been heading out on the streets to connect with rough sleepers, while the Aro Mai Housing First and Sustaining Tenancies teams continue to provide a wide range of services to taumai throughout the Wellington region, ensuring they are well connected and supported during this difficult time. Food has been dropped on the doorstep for those who need it most, and emergency housing arranged for those without shelter. Our teams have also been calling taumai to check in with them and see how they are doing. Taumai often tell us that it is this contact and kōrero that they value most; lockdown is a very lonely time for many. If you would like to make a donation to support DCM’s work at this challenging time, go to our website – together, we are doing something very special. Te Riria works from home receiving calls from taumai on our 0800 number (left); taumai like Mahir have been able to receive food support, dropped off on their doorstep by DCM kaimahi (right). <!-- --> *We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well.   Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • July Update from DCM - together we can end homelessness
      • 96 July Update from DCM - together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } "DCM helped me get into a house, and they are helping me to stay in the house." Happy Matariki This month we have been celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year, at DCM. This is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future. We came together for our Matariki Seasonal Kai, an opportunity for kaimahi to connect with taumai* during the cold days of winter, and to enjoy a very special hangi. Taumai wrote some beautiful reflections in a book that we gifted to the Tristram whānau, who make this meal possible. Smurf shared his poem: You may remember Smurf from our recent film clip; he first connected with DCM when he was rough sleeping in 2014. He has seen a dentist, audiologist and physiotherapist at DCM, regularly attended Te Hāpai and worked with Te Aro Health around his health needs. In 2020 he was housed by our Aro Mai Housing First team. We're very proud of the progress he has made on his journey to wellbeing. As he himself reflects, "DCM helped me get into a house, and they are helping me to stay in the house. I don't think I would have got healthy if I wasn't housed." <!-- --> How can New Zealand solve its social housing crisis? DCM Director Stephen Turnock with Associate Minister of Housing Marama Davidson This month DCM featured in an article in the UK newspaper, the Guardian, about homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand: “Once a world leader in social housing, New Zealand now faces what the UN has called a “human rights crisis”. Although the government is pouring money in, the waitlist for social housing has ballooned to 23,000 – triple that of three years ago – and there are more than 4,000 children living in motels. The government has repeatedly said it is rectifying a problem it inherited from the former National government, which saw the sell-off of state housing and underinvestment in social housing. The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, told local media in January the government would leave “no stone unturned” to fix the problem. But groups working to end homelessness say despite those good intentions it could be years before those at the sharp end of the crisis are permanently housed. DCM, a Wellington organisation that helps rough sleepers find housing, has had a rise in the number of people with highly complex needs seeking its services, its outreach manager Natalia Cleland says. Often they are people who have come up against barriers trying to access state-run social housing. Nearly $1m a day is being paid in grants to more than 8,000 people requiring emergency accommodation. Motels are often used to house people for short periods and have been widely criticised as being unsafe and unsanitary. That money would be better spent on permanent housing, Cleland says. “It’s a tricky thing for the government to hold, because on the one hand we don’t want people sleeping rough or living in cars. For them to be inside and have a bathroom and power they can turn on is better than those scenarios. But the money being spent on that could be spent on permanent housing.” The housing crisis is affecting people “across the continuum”, DCM’s director Stephen Turnock says, adding that those who are chronically homeless struggle the most to get a home. The government of New Zealand has poured money into building social housing but the pace has so far been slow. It is a complex and nebulous problem that could take years to solve, Turnock says, and the crucial fix is more housing supply across the board: “[The government’s] vision is bold enough but the ability to pull all the necessary levers in unison is a very difficult task.” He puts the slow pace of new builds down to high construction costs, complicated and restrictive land and housing regulation, a shortfall in construction workers and skyrocketing prices for existing properties. DCM has permanently housed 82 chronically homeless people in Wellington using the Housing First model – which prioritises finding permanent homes for the homeless before addressing other needs such as drug counselling – but has 120 on its waiting list and there are no houses available. DCM finds most of its Housing First properties through the private market, rather than through the government’s housing agency Kainga Ora, and increasingly finds it is competing with Kainga Ora and other housing providers to rent homes. “We are all in the same sandpit together, and the sandpit is not big enough,” Turnock says." Would you like to know more about how you can provide a home for people who are experiencing homelessness? Do you have friends, contacts or networks who would like to be part of this? Stephen would love to hear from you, and to speak more with you about this. You can contact him at director@dcm.org.nz <!-- --> Now I can finally smile It has also been great to see a story about the DCM Dental Service in this month’s OnMas magazine. Dentist Frances Ruddiman reflects on her experience of volunteering at DCM. “The changes that taumai undergo are incredible,” Frances says. “A lot of them haven’t seen a dentist in a long time, so naturally they’re nervous and sometimes worried about being judged. But we’re as welcoming and inclusive as we can be. We want to make sure they know that we see them as a person and will treat them as a person who is valuable and who deserves to have their needs met.” Living in constant pain can take over people’s lives and make it hard to focus on anything else. “When you’re in pain and stressed and worried about what’s causing it, that’s always there in the background. Once we get people out of pain, their spirits seem to be lifted. Often they do need more work, but they’re so much more confident and happy to come back.” “I’ve had patients tell me that now they can finally smile. I had someone tell me, ‘I’m going to a housing interview this afternoon, and I’m so happy that I can walk in and smile with them’,” says Frances." We encourage you to read the full story here, and to share it with any dentists or dental assistants you know. <!-- --> How can I help? We first met Peter just before last year's lock-down, when he connected with our Outreach team. He had been rough sleeping for many months, and DCM kaimahi helped get him on the social housing register. Lock-down brought rapid changes, and Peter found himself in emergency housing. Since then he has been working closely with the Aro Mai Housing First team and he is now stably housed in his own whare. “DCM has helped me more than I could ever have imagined. I have a roof over my head and am extremely grateful. I have my life back.” Peter needs a vacuum cleaner so he can keep his whare clean. Do you have one you could donate?  If so, please get in touch with Matt. *We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well.   Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • June Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness
      • 96 June Update from DCM - Together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Hearing, homelessness – and being heard Hearing, homelessness – and being heard This month we have marked National Volunteer Week. One of the very special health professionals who volunteer their time at DCM is our long-time audiologist, Dr. Lisa Seerup. We especially want to lift up Lisa and to congratulate her on her appointment as President of the New Zealand Hearing Association. Lisa is committed to using her time in this role to ensure that the most marginalised, the people she supports at DCM, have a voice and are heard. She has learned a lot during her time at DCM, but she has also taught us a lot. “It was Michelle Scott from DCM who initially approached Hearing Association Wellington. Michelle knew that the Māori population have higher rates of ear and hearing problems. DCM does a great job of looking beyond the usual to see what other factors might be contributing to a person not meeting their potential. Hearing issues have a causative impact on a person’s life. No other New Zealand programme for people who are homeless has incorporated audiology services into their support network. I really applaud DCM for the foresight." Photo by Pat Shepherd, One Percent Collective "One of the things I can’t thank DCM enough for is recognising where barriers exist. Out there, barriers are everywhere and for Māori and Pasifika, it can go right back to childhood. The middle ear predominantly affects Māori kids – can you imagine going to school with an ear infection. You can’t hear, and you’re getting yelled at by the teacher. This leads to so many problems later in life, including mental health issues. The data tells us that 60% of people in New Zealand prisons have hearing issues, and this climbs to 90% for Māori in prisons. We know that many of these individuals would not be in prison if they had been able to hear the charges and questions they faced. Nodding and signalling assent is often a way of responding when you cannot hear. It is an honour for me to take on this leadership role in our profession, and to share these learnings and voices with those who most need to hear – decision-makers, funders and the wider community. Because we need to address this together.” Earlier this year, Lisa shared her story and spoke about her work with DCM with our friends at One Percent Collective. We encourage you to read the story in full here. <!-- --> Celebrating three more years Earlier this year we shared a special film clip with you all, inviting you to spend a day both here at DCM, and heading out on to the street with our Outreach team. The difference DCM’s Outreach team makes in the lives of the most marginalised people in our city has again been acknowledged by Wellington City Council. This month they committed to continuing to fund this mahi, along with DCM's work supporting vulnerable Wellington City Housing tenants, for a further three years. Wellington City Council has a long history of work to end homelessness, including supporting DCM in many different ways over the years. They grasped the need to address and end homelessness before any other local authority in Aotearoa, and this has been critical to DCM playing the role which we do in our city. Since 2018, they have partnered with DCM to deliver this Assertive Outreach Programme, whereby DCM kaimahi go out and connect directly with our city’s rough sleeping community. The council’s contact centre manages the notifications and concerns from members of the public, passing them on to DCM. This 'assertive' approach focuses on assisting and encouraging people to exit homelessness, rather than supporting them in maintaining their homelessness. It can take a long time, but we work to build a relationship of trust, in order to connect people with the many wrap-around supports which DCM offers, and with other appropriate services. The hook which gets people to engage may be the removal of pain which comes from a dental appointment at DCM, the ability to access a benefit through DCM’s Money Management Service, or the hospitality and purposeful activity we offer at Te Hāpai. Those with long histories of homelessness can then be supported by our Aro Mai Housing First team to access a home and improve their quality of life. Wellington City Housing tenant Johnny has been supported by DCM over many years. Here Nani from DCM's Sustaining Tenancies team visits Johnny in his whare. At DCM, we understand that ending homelessness means working to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring. Our commitment is not only to those experiencing homelessness, but we also support people at risk of losing their tenancies and falling back into homelessness. Wellington City Council funds and has committed to continuing to fund DCM’s work with the most vulnerable Wellington City Housing tenants, ensuring that they not only sustain their tenancies, but go on to thrive in their lives and communities. This month it is especially appropriate that we lift up Wellington City Council, along with all of our many supporters and partners, for your commitment to being part of the “together”. Together we can end homelessness in our city… We encourage you to enjoy the film clip again: For stories about the work of DCM's Outreach team, including during last year’s COVID-19 lock-down, visit our website. If you are concerned about anyone you see rough sleeping in Wellington, please call Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444 and they will let us know. <!-- --> A place called home Earlier this year while most of us were enjoying a break or summer holiday, we were able to treat some of our taumai* to an outing, thanks to your generosity. One of those people was Dylan. Since that time, we have had even more to celebrate, as Dylan is now housed. It has been a long, long journey for him, and so many people and organisations have been part of this journey – including Te Aro Health Centre, several mental health services, Kāinga Ora, Emerge Aotearoa, and many different workers and supporters at DCM over the last nine years. From the first DCM worker, DJ, who greeted Dylan on his first visit and supported him over several years, to his current support worker, Jordon from DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team, we have all been part of something special. Recently Dylan sat down with Deepal from Emerge to share his thoughts and reflections on what it means to him to have “a place called home”. Dylan has asked us to share this with you all. A place called home 'where I wanna be' Being taken-away from my parent’s home as a child to keep me safe, so I’ve been told Made me miss-out a place called home where I wanna be from the very beginning of my life journey From my early recollections under foster home care for rest of my childhood Running-away as a teen looking for the home where I wanna be Having walls of trust, understanding, faith, hope & most importantly, with a roof of ‘Aroha’ of unconditional love to keep me going Living rough on the street & within grey walls of prison cells ever since By losing control of things done influenced by video games, rap music & living in environments of violence & crime I did have short stays at Housing NZ accommodation that sorted-out my homelessness Yet, they never were the home where I wanna be From life of unsatisfactory accommodation, homelessness & destituteness I have now been offered new social housing to help me overcome all the adversities of the past I am looking forward with hope to make it a home where I wanna be a home full of good faith where no dream is impossible, where memory is a garden in which the future grows. <!-- --> How can I help? This month we have marked the shortest day of the year, and we are very much in the throes of winter. We have also been reminded of the importance of home during these COVID times, with Wellington experiencing the added restrictions of Level 2. We would like to be able to lift up taumai who have recently been housed and who are doing the hard mahi to sustain their tenancies and go forward. Many would enjoy having a flat screen television or DVD player, a way to settle and spend time in their whare during the darkest days of the year. If you would like to donate one of these items, please get in touch with Matt. <!-- --> *We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. <!-- --> Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • May Update from DCM
      • 96 May Update from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; font-family:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Together we can end homelessness Tu'u atu, tu'u mai We're achieving great things together Many of you have seen the news headlines - about individuals rough sleeping and unsupported, or suggesting that there has been a huge increase in the numbers of people experiencing homelessness. Some of you have been in touch, asking us what DCM’s experience has been, and whether it is all “doom and gloom”. What does the data tell us? In the first quarter of this year, DCM worked with 356 people who were experiencing homelessness, compared with 312 in the same period last year. This is an increase of 14%, so yes, the numbers of homeless people we are supporting has increased - but this is not the doubling suggested by some articles. Indeed, at the sharp end, the numbers of people rough sleeping and without shelter has decreased: we worked with 118 in the first quarter of 2020 and with 96 in the first three months of this year. That’s a decrease of 19%. However the most significant increase is in the numbers of people supported who are in emergency housing. This has increased from 160 to 242, up 51%*. As we have been saying for some years now, the bad news is that there are just not enough houses. People are moving into emergency housing, and remaining there, waiting and waiting for a home to become available. While these people are off the streets, with shelter and able to practice self care, emergency housing is a form of homelessness, and not a long term solution. Despite the many challenges, people are also being supported to access their own homes and to sustain those tenancies. 70 people with long histories of homelessness are currently housed and being supported by the Aro Mai Housing First team. And 75 people at risk of losing their tenancies and falling back in to homelessness are being supported by DCM’s Sustaining Tenancies team so that they too can remain housed and go on to thrive in their tenancies. We will continue to advocate for houses, houses, houses. But with your support, the most marginalised people are being supported to achieve greater wellbeing. One such person is Anthony**... <!-- --> Celebrating one year in a house One year ago, we were sharing the story of Anthony with you, as he moved out of emergency housing and in to his own home: One year later, Anthony is thriving in his whare and he has a part-time job! Anthony continues to pop in to DCM from time to time, and enjoys regular visits from Henry on DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team. Anthony always keeps his place clean; he enjoys watching DVDs at home and has a group of local friends who he meets up with regularly. He has been opening up more to Henry – about his life and about his family. He is also managing his money well which enables him to retain his independence. While Henry sometimes asks him if he would like some food support, Anthony declines and is able to budget for this himself.  Anthony is currently handwashing his clothes; we would love to be able to access a washing machine for him. If you can help please get in touch. Henry, from DCM's Aro Mai Housing First team, works closely with Anthony and supports him with regular home visits <!-- --> Samoan Language Week It is Samoan Language Week and we are asking our Samoan kaimahi to share a word each day. Here are a few of them: Sia: “Here at DCM, we are so fortunate to be part of something significant, something which creates real change. But this change happens in partnership with our taumai: tuku atu, tuku mai. In Samoan we say: tu’u atu, tu’u mai. We do it together.” Henry: "Mafutaga is a Samoan word which describes getting together, connecting. Here at DCM we offer a safe and supportive space for the most marginalised people to come together, to build connection and relationship with us, so that we can go forward together." Peni: "Fale – a house or home – that’s what it is all about. Having a place to call home. We urgently need more houses. We can offer landlords a 'no hassles' service - and you will be providing a fale for a person who really needs it. I would love to tell you more about this, so please do get in touch with me." <!-- --> Footnotes: *People supported by DCM in the first three months of 2020 and 2021 who have spent time during that period in emergency or transitional housing **Not his real name. <!-- --> Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • April Update from DCM - together we can end homelessness
      • 96 April Update from DCM - together we can end homelessness p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Me aro ki te hā o Hine-ahu-one - Pay heed to the mana of women Me aro ki te hā o Hine-ahu-one Pay heed to the mana of women Meda From rough sleeping and pregnant – to housed and hopeful Meda first came to DCM in 2016 – pregnant, and rough sleeping on the streets of Wellington. It has been a long journey for Meda – but she is in a good place now, in her own home and doing well. Photos by DCM kaitautoko Gabrielle McKone Meda grew up in a home she describes as “a house filled with love”, with two half-sisters, and one brother. “As a kid I enjoyed everything from running to swimming – I especially loved building tree houses! My childhood was full of outdoorsy stuff. I enjoyed school and I liked my teachers.” After her parents split, Meda bounced around a bit, eventually living with her aunty. But when she was kicked out of the house, she became homeless, living on the streets of Wellington with nowhere to go. It was a Wellington street friend who told Meda about DCM. “Someone said, ‘If you go down there they might be able to help you out.’ So I did.” It was around this time that Meda discovered she was pregnant. She was able to get into emergency housing, but a week before she was due to give birth, she found out that the courts had decided to uplift her baby once he was born. Losing her son was heart-breaking for Meda, and she describes it as being “the trigger for my trauma”. It led her to drink, and she no longer took very good care of herself. But in the midst of all this, Meda continued to work with DCM. “DCM has supported me in so many different ways,” says Meda. “I’ve seen the dentist a few times, popped in to see the Te Aro Health nurses, received food support and I was also on DCM’s money management service for a while until I got my own bank account. I was really proud when I got that – it felt like a big thing.” Sometimes it’s the little things that count. When Meda reflects back on the years of support from DCM, one of her favourite memories is of a woman greeting her by name, giving her a cup of coffee and a muesli bar each morning – this woman was DCM kaimahi Joanne. DCM helped Meda get into her own place, and continues to provide support so that she can thrive in her whare. Meda has made some friends in her new community and is loving this new feeling of independence, but she also appreciates being part of the wider “DCM family”. Best of all, Meda has been able to see her son. “It wasn't until I was housed and feeling a bit more stable that I was finally able to see him. A highlight for me was when I was able to go down to Nelson for his 5th birthday.” Meda maintains regular contact and is able to see her son from time to time. She’s so proud of this, and how far she’s come. “I’ve achieved a lot in the last year, getting my act together – and along the way I’ve developed a real passion for health and wellbeing. In the year ahead, I’d like to do some studies. I am proud of how far I have come, and I have plans and a lot of hope for the future.” You can read Meda's full story on our website. <!-- --> Regina and Joanne A hīkoi of courage and pride Sisters Regina and Joanne work together at DCM; both have big hearts for our mahi and our people. This month has seen them return from a hīkoi to get their moko kauae. Photos by Kylie Robinson (Regina and Joanne’s niece) It took many decades to get to this point. While the desire and longing was always there, there was too much stigma attached, and although their great grandmother had her moko kauae, it had skipped a few generations. Earlier this year, Regina and Joanne headed home for their grandmother’s tangi. It was a catalyst for them both, and opened up their sense of longing again. They prayed about this as well as speaking to family members. They both laugh as they talk about who was going to speak to their mother. Joanne lost, and spoke to their mum, who fully supported their decision. Joanne had her moko kauae completed at Mataora Bay; this is where their grandmother is buried and a place Joanne returns to often. Regina went inland to Ngahutoitoi marae where their father was raised and is buried. Several taumai challenged and encouraged them to take this step, and it has had a big impact on taumai since. At a taumai tangi soon after they returned to Wellington, Doc approached Regina. He held her hand, and put his hands on her face – “I am so proud of you.” * “Coming back to Wellington, I feel grounded,” says Regina. “I am not ashamed of being Māori. I’m proud of my culture. We have been indoctrinated to be ashamed of who we are. There are those who say that to carry the moko kauae, I would be carrying the bad things of the past. I choose instead to carry all the blessings of my tīpuna.” Many of our taumai, like Regina and Joanne, have received so many negative messages over the years about what it is to be Māori. They have been robbed of their reo; they have given up speaking it or have never learned it. Instead of feeling proud of who they are, they often carry the stigma and whakamā over many years, or over a whole lifetime. Here at DCM, we lift up Joanne and Regina for their courage, for their example, and for their commitment to DCM’s taumai and kaupapa. * Doc Manuel died soon after as a result of an accident in Wellington. Taumai had encouraged Joanne and Regina to set out on this journey, and Doc had blessed them when they had returned from that journey. RIP Doc.  <!-- --> Stephanie Homelessness...and home Stephanie McIntyre stepped down as Director of DCM at the end of 2020. This month, the Dominion Post caught up with her; they asked her to share some of her reflections on homelessness, and discussed what she has been up to since leaving DCM. You can read her reflections and her challenge to us all on Stuff. “We’ve long had the tag line at DCM: ‘together, we can end homelessness’. Without sounding twee, this is something everyone’s got to embrace together, and do together.” <!-- --> How can I help? It would be fantastic if we could take Meda and some of the other wāhine we've recently housed shopping so they can select something for their home. If you would like to purchase some vouchers for Briscoes or similar, that would be much appreciated. Drop these in to Matthew Mawkes at DCM, 2 Lukes Lane, week day mornings, or pop in the post. Kia ora! <!-- --> Support DCM! Me aro ki te hā o Hine-ahu-one Pay heed to the mana of women <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

    • March Update from DCM
      • 96 March Update from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; font-family:inherit !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Together we can end homelessness Changing lives one smile at a time This month we have been marking the 5th birthday of the DCM Dental Service. During the birthday week, we offered daily dental sessions, sometimes with a difference. Rāhina/Monday: Monday’s session was taken by John and Emily; they saw several taumai with complex lives, who had not been able to be treated for their high levels of dental pain anywhere else. M had had his jaw broken, with the resulting metal plate adjacent to problem teeth causing him great pain. He had been referred to the hospital, but was not able to go there due to anxiety and addictions. The team at DCM worked to come up with a solution. We arranged for him to come back to DCM the next time that John Buckerfield took a dental session here. John spent an hour and a half with M, talking him through the treatment and successfully extracting the tooth. M also received fillings for other teeth. He left proudly showing off the extracted tooth, and with antibiotics and a plan for his recovery from John. Later in the day he was happily chatting and in a good space. H had a bad abscess and was in a lot of pain. He struggles with his addictions, and was very proud that he had managed to stay drug-free that day so that he could see the dentist. John was able to numb the area and treat the abscess in one appointment. H left pain-free and not needing further work. Rātū/Tuesday: On Tuesday, for the first time, one of our dentists headed out with our team to see taumai in their new communities and housing complexes. DCM has supported D over many years. He recently saw Sophie at DCM; she discovered he had a bad infection that needed urgent treatment. This time she was able to check on his progress in his own community, also explaining how a referral for dentures could work to better improve his oral health. N has recently been housed in the Berhampore area. He hasn’t seen a dentist in a long time and appreciated the chance to see Sophie at Berhampore Centennial Community Centre. Utilising a little side room, sterilised instruments, a dental and periodontal chart and torch, Sophie assessed N’s sore teeth and gums and could feel where any potential holes were located. N looks forward to a follow-up appointment at DCM. Rāapa/Wednesday: David took the very first session at the DCM Dental Service in March 2016. He has been a regular through all of the five years, and was back to take a session during our birthday week, supported by dental assistant Hazel. We definitely kept them both busy. Although DCM has supported T over many years, he had never seen a dentist at DCM. It had been a difficult week for T - not only was he experiencing pain but he had issues with his housing, and had been at a tangi the day before. David was able to extract two teeth, which made a big difference to T. Rāpare/Thursday: Once again, a line-up of people in pain with nowhere else to go for treatment made for another busy day. S is an older Māori man who is staying in emergency accommodation. He recently had a toothache that got so bad he took the tooth out himself! Still sore and with a number of other issues, he saw dentist Sunjna who treated infected roots as well as completing another much-needed extraction. S was so happy to have all his dental issues treated in one appointment. "I love the atmosphere at DCM," reflected dental assistant Issie at the end of the day. "The energy, the singing, the taumai... The highlight today, as always, was being able to offer people relief from pain. The challenge? Today again reinforced for me how difficult it is for taumai here to access support elsewhere. They may be referred to the hospital or other supports, but because of their anxiety, addictions, a whole range of barriers, they cannot get there and continue to live in pain. It's great to be part of the team in this place, where taumai do feel safe and are able to come and receive our support - and to leave pain-free." Rāmere/Friday: A is a refugee from Africa; for some years he has cycled between backpackers, motels and periods in temporary housing. A experiences a lot of dental pain. Last month, he saw a dentist at DCM for emergency treatment of his most urgent pain and issues, including a much needed extraction. He returned for another appointment this week, expecting further extractions. Dentist Laura was able to restore two of his front teeth, which he had assumed would need to come out. A was absolutely delighted to be able to retain his smile; he left praising the “angel” dentist who had made such a difference to him. DCM taumai have so much to contend with in their lives, the emergency dental work they are able to receive at DCM is truly a life-line, and in some cases a life-saver. We acknowledge all of the dental professionals who have made this possible over the last five years, Kaye and Maurice Clark who purchased this building with its dental rooms for DCM, and our supporters who donate money, product and skills so that we can offer this service to the most marginalised people in our community. Together, we have achieved something very special. <!-- --> Bringing a smile to the community We ended our very special week of celebrating the 5th birthday of the DCM Dental Service with seasonal kai. We all came together to share kai and to acknowledge one another and the taonga which this dental service has been for our taumai. How appropriate that the community of dentist Morris Wong, the Wellington Anglican Chinese Mission, should provide kai, along with EKTA, Good Bitches Baking and some Pasifika delicacies lovingly prepared by the family of our kaimahi, Nani. A smorgasbord of delicious food from different cultures, enjoyed together in the sunshine at DCM. <!-- --> Another reason to smile Many of you know and love Te Amo, who DCM has supported for a long, long time. Te Amo featured in DCM’s 50th birthday photo exhibition. He has worked in our foodbank for many years and is now our longest-serving staff member. As Te Amo grows older, and is able to work less hours, he has been looking for other ways to spend his time, so that he can thrive in his own community and in his retirement. We were excited to hear recently from Anne. Looking to downsize, Anne needed to find a new home for her beloved piano, which she has been playing since she was 7 years old. We immediately thought of Te Amo. He is a talented pianist who has learned to play by ear. You may have even seen him around Wellington where he serenades the city whenever he can find a piano to play – including outdoors in Frank Kitts park. It was great to see Anne's piano gifted to Te Amo's local community centre; he can now play whenever he wishes. Thanks Anne and we know you've found a new friend in Te Amo! To listen to them enjoying the piano together at its new home in Te Amo’s housing complex, click the link below. And how appropriate that Te Amo should choose to play this song for her...yes, love IS a beautiful song. <!-- --> How can I help? To mark the 5th birthday of our dental service, we have produced a new brochure, encouraging dentists and dental assistants to join our team. If you would like to pop in to DCM to pick up a brochure to share with your own dentist, or with dental professionals who you know, we would very much appreciate this. Or shout out if you would like us to mail you a copy. <!-- --> Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive