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Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 22 Apr 2025
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From Our Manahautū He Rā Ka Huri: Seasons Change, Our Purpose Remains Stephen Turnock, Manahautū (Director) at DCM Tēnā koutou katoa, As the seasons shift once again, I find myself reflecting on just how much change we’ve witnessed lately, not only in the weather, but across our communities, sector, and Aotearoa. Like the turn from summer to autumn, some changes are expected, while others arrive quickly, bringing with them a sense of uncertainty. This changing environment is being felt deeply across the community sector. Policy directions are shifting, funding decisions are pending. Many of us are operating in a space where the future feels less certain than before. At DCM, this has real impacts. The security of our contracts, the continuity of our mahi, and the wellbeing of our kaimahi (staff) are all front of mind. And it's not just our sector, every day we see how these pressures are being experienced by whānau across Te-Whanganui-a-Tara: the cost of living, the struggle to find and keep a safe place to live, and the weight of navigating systems that often don’t work for them. Change is constant, but for many, it doesn’t always feel like it’s moving in the right direction. In the face of this, we ground ourselves in what remains constant. Our commitment to whānau-led support, our belief in housing as a human right, and our dedication to walking alongside those doing it tough. No matter the season, our purpose stays the same. And we want you to know, we have a plan. Even in a time of shifting sands, we’re clear on our direction. We’re committed to building on what works, data-informed insights, whanau-centred practice and courageous leadership. And we know we can’t do this alone. It’s through community collaboration, with whānau, with partners, and with people like you, that real solutions are found and created. So as the leaves begin to fall and we prepare for the colder months ahead, we do so with determination, with hope, and with deep gratitude for your continued support. You are part of this journey, and together, we will keep working towards a city where everyone has a place to stand. Ngā manaakitanga, Stephen Turnock Finding An Oasis At DCM I was homeless and running around the country before I came to Wellington. I was drinking heavily. I was an alcoholic. My mental health issues hadn’t been diagnosed, so I was unmedicated and pretty messy. Before that I was in Christchurch. I got made redundant, and then I had nothing to do. I started drinking, getting into hard drugs, getting in trouble. I made a lot of people mad and I had to leave. I just wanted to hide somewhere and drink. That was my plan. It’s crazy I kept drinking even when I was that sick. I knew I was sick, but the need for alcohol was stronger than any concern I had for my own safety. I was housed out in the Hutt maybe six or seven years ago, not by DCM but someone else. They put me there to get me out of Wellington, away from the drinking. But I still drank sometimes. Then I got told my liver couldn’t take it anymore. They said it was no good. That changed everything. I had to stop drinking, and that changed my life completely. I couldn’t fill the voids with alcohol anymore. I had to deal with stuff. Face my demons. And it was too much, really. I ended up needing medication. There was nothing like DCM out in the Hutt then. I came back into town because there’s more here, and DCM is a hub that has everything I need. I’ve been coming here every day, every week, for as long as I’ve been back in Wellington. DCM has supported me in all sorts of ways. I come here for coffee, for health, for dental, and they make sure I get to my appointments. Te Aro Health and the nurse let me know if the doctors want to see me. It’s amazing that everything is just here. And yeah, I get food from DCM. It’s good to know it comes from people I know, not some stranger. It keeps it in the whānau, you know? I don’t eat much. Once a day is usually enough to keep me going. I used to be a good cook, but I’ve lost all interest in it. Cooking for one is boring. Food is just something I put in myself now. The DCM staff are even trying to get more fruits and vegetables into me. I’ll eat it if it’s put in front of me, but I won’t cook it. I’m eating like an old man now. DCM hasn’t given up on people, not like other places have. That’s what surprised me. DCM is an oasis and people rely on this place. If they weren’t here, there’d be nothing for us. We’d be eating out of rubbish bins. "DCM is absolutely brilliant because it’s saving people in Wellington. It’s keeping people alive. Without this service, people would be lost. They’d just be lost." These days, I guess, I’m mostly just working out what life looks like until I die. That’s what concerns me now. My health isn’t great. I don’t know how long I’ve got, but I’m trying to be all right until then. If you’re struggling, don’t stop yourself. Get to DCM. If they see the need, they’ll help. I fully recommend it to anyone in Wellington who needs support. Spotlight on Lynda: Fundraising For Hope Lynda McGregor, owner of Little Bread Loaf, wears many hats. She runs a small artisan bakery in Lower Hutt where everything is made from scratch, a busy café in Miramar, works in fresh produce markets, and does catering too. Yet despite her full plate (pun intended), Lynda makes time to support DCM. Her connection with DCM began when she saw one of our Instagram posts calling for donations. “It really moved me,” she says. “I just thought, we can all do something to help our community. It’s not about pity, it’s about showing up and helping.” Lynda shared the post, a conversation followed, then a tour, and she soon found herself organising her first foodbank collection for DCM at Little Bread Loaf where she and her community raised over 200 cans of food. “I’ve always known about DCM and the work you do. I know you don’t get as much funding as the bigger charities, and I felt I could add value here in a way that would make a real impact.” Supporting DCM wasn’t a random choice. It aligned with Lynda’s values. “My mum always tithed. She gave a portion of what she had or her time to help others. I’ve always tried to do that too. I’m not religious, but giving back is a part of who I am.” She’s also realistic. “In the charity sector, it’s often the causes that are more ‘attractive’ that get attention". But DCM, she says, offers something deeper. “I truly believe that nobody wakes up wanting to be on the street. DCM works with some of the most vulnerable people in Wellington and you stay constant, even when others would walk away. The whānau you support can keep coming back for coffee, a chat, or whatever they need and you are always there for them.” For Lynda, donating food is not about charity. It’s about manaakitanga. “If the food isn’t good enough for me to eat, I won’t bring it in. What I give has to be mana enhancing; for DCM, for me as the maker, and for anyone who receives it. I want people to feel dignity when they receive something from me.” She adds that contributing makes her feel good too. “It feeds my soul. I do this for selfish reasons because it makes me happy and brings me joy.” Lynda has seen the challenges facing our communities and the pressure DCM is under. “It makes me sad to see the foodbank shelves so bare. You’re doing incredible work, and so much of it comes from heart. You can tell that your team is here because they genuinely want to be of service.” She believes anyone can make a difference and her hope is that more people and businesses will step up.. “You don’t have to give a lot. A couple of cans, a few dollars, whatever you can manage. That small act might have a huge impact on someone’s day." She adds, "It’s not about changing someone’s whole life. It’s about easing their path just a little. It’s about giving someone a little hope.” We are so thankful to Lynda, and our other wonderful supporters, for standing with us. DCM is proud to work alongside people who care so deeply about making Wellington a city where everybody has a place. This year, we are running a Foodbank Appeal Week from 17 to 24 May, and we are inviting the community to help us to continue to provide essential food support to Wellington’s most marginalised residents. There are many ways you can get involved. You could host a food donation box at your workplace, school, or church, run a fundraiser for DCM, or, if you would like to support us financially, you can do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2025 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
- 24 Mar 2025
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM A Reason To Smile communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Reason To Smile Your Support in Action With the end of the financial year in sight, we want to share just one example of the impact your support makes. This month, we share stories from our dental service, including a whānau member’s journey to a new smile and one of the volunteer dentists making it all happen. The Gift Of Confidence I heard about DCM about a year ago through Streeties (people on the street). They told me about the services here, and I could relate. When I came in, I saw the way the staff worked with people, and I thought, you’re doing a really good job. They care, but they don’t muck around either. You have to do things the right way, and they do. I started coming in for Te Awatea and the men’s group, food assistance, carving, and then a tooth extraction. That’s where things really changed for me. Morris, the dentist, was cool. He took out a tooth that had been giving me trouble. Then Jaimie (DCM Kaimahi) asked if I wanted dentures. I was so scared about how much it would be that I didn’t know how to respond. But the first thing they said was, “There’s no cost.” "I couldn’t believe it. I relaxed straight away and thought, You have to go for it. The opportunity is here!" At my next appointment, I met Sophie (lead volunteer dentist). She explained everything step-by-step, making sure I understood the process. She took photos of my mouth and I was too scared to even look at my own picture! But Sophie was so great. She just took me through everything that needed to happen and why one more tooth would have to come out to make sure everything aligned properly. I had no idea how much went into making dentures, how technical it is to get them just right. But Sophie made it so simple, and she really went the extra mile to make sure I was comfortable. And she cared. If it wasn’t for people like Sophie, Morris, and DCM, we wouldn’t have this chance. They are the people with open hearts, here for others. "I feel like a bit of me is missing, because of all the teeth I’ve lost. People who know you don’t care, but around strangers? It’s hard to smile." I can’t wait to get my new teeth so I can get my confidence back. I really feel like it will move me forward. I’m in a good space now, focused and ready take on what’s next. God bless the people that support DCM. The people here are the ones that will always be there for those that need it. The whānau member interviewed above, gifted us this beautiful poem he wrote about DCM to share. Spotlight on DCM's Lead Dentist When Sophie joined DCM as a volunteer dentist eight years ago, she had no idea how much it would mean to her. At the time, she was overwhelmed with her son in hospital. Volunteering might have seemed like one more thing to juggle, but she felt drawn to do it anyway. Now, she proudly says DCM’s dental clinic “punches above its weight,” achieving so much with so little. She has seen first-hand how unbearable tooth pain can be and how it affects every part of life. “Fixing a tooth might seem small for us, but for them, it’s huge,” she says. “Not only do they feel better, but their head is clearer. They can finally take in what their social worker has been telling them.” At DCM, there is no cost or time limit for patients which is something Sophie finds rare in dentistry. “In private practice, we are always juggling time and what the patient can afford,” she explains. “It is heart-breaking when we see someone settle for a treatment that is second or third best because that is all they can pay for.” Although all DCM dentists are volunteers, DCM covers the cost of a dental assistant. However, to stretch the budget further, Sophie currently works alone. The goal is to expand the clinic to five days a week and employ a dental assistant to streamline services. “There is a will and a need,” she says. “It just takes money.” In 2024, a donation from Ivoclar allowed the clinic to upgrade tools they had previously gone without. “This donation means we can finally afford better equipment,” Sophie says. “It did not change what we deliver to patients, but it made a huge difference to how well we can do our work.” For Sophie, volunteering at DCM is about more than dentistry. “Working at the DCM dental clinic grounds me,” she says. “It feeds me. People see it as selfless, but I don’t. This is what I need to do to feel good about myself. And it makes me happy that we can achieve so much.” As the financial year comes to an end, we’re grateful for the incredible support that makes our dental clinic possible. Wellington thrives when we uplift its most marginalised with compassion, care, and respect. Thank you for being a part of this work. Click Here To Support DCM Before 31 March Copyright © 2025 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: media@dcm.org.nz Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
- 24 Feb 2025
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From The Manahautū Kia ora koutou katoa, As we step into the new year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our supporters, funders, and partners. Your generosity and commitment over the Christmas period meant we could continue walking alongside some of the most vulnerable in our community, providing essential support, connection, and, most importantly, hope. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, your support made a real difference, and we are truly grateful. At DCM, we are seeing more people experiencing homelessness, highlighting the ongoing need for a collective response. The housing crisis, rising costs, and systemic barriers continue to push individuals and whānau into homelessness. Now more than ever, we must work together to advocate for what we know works, permanent housing with the right support. At the same time, we need to address the barriers preventing people from accessing safe, stable homes. This is not just about housing; it’s about dignity, wellbeing, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To strengthen our advocacy and impact, we are increasing our focus on insights and data. By capturing and analysing meaningful information, we can better understand homelessness in our city, identify gaps, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our services. Strong, credible data allows us to advocate more effectively for system change, influence policy, and work collaboratively with government and sector partners to drive lasting solutions. With a new year ahead, we remain committed to pushing for real solutions and working alongside our community to create meaningful change. Homelessness is not inevitable. It is solvable when we take a collective, evidence-based approach. We believe that supporting our most vulnerable with care and compassion benefits all of us. Stephen Turnock Manahautū (Director) DCM A Safe Place At Last The worst part of being homeless was the sleepless nights. My ten-year-old daughter would sleep, and I would lie awake, worrying. I worried about how to keep her safe. I worried about how I was going to get her to school in the morning. I worried about how much longer we could keep living like this. We had been staying with family, but it was not a good place for my daughter. I had to make a choice: stay in an unsafe environment or leave to protect her and try to get by on my own. I chose to leave. That is how we ended up living in my car. After months of this, someone told me to go to DCM for help. By then, it all felt like too much. I was exhausted. Even with DCM supporting me, I had to wait for (social) housing. I had to be patient and trust that they would find us a place. It took almost five months, but they kept advocating for me and never gave up. The day they told me they had found us a home, I felt such relief, like all the stress had lifted off my shoulders. My daughter was so happy. We moved into a two-bedroom apartment, and she finally has her own space. "For the first time in a long time, I felt free. I could take care of myself and my daughter without worrying about where we would sleep." DCM helped us with everything we needed to get settled, and they still check in to make sure we are okay. They gave us a welcome pack, and at Christmas, they brought us a hamper so we could celebrate together in our new home. Looking back, I don't know how I got through it. I just knew I had to. I had to give my daughter hope, even on the days when I had none myself. One of the hardest parts was knowing there was somewhere we could go, back to family, but that it was not safe. I had to make a choice no parent should ever have to make. Now, my daughter has her own room, though she mostly spends time in the living room playing video games. She is enrolled in the local school, and she loves it. We feel like a real family again. DCM treated me with respect, and they never judged me. Where we were before was so unhealthy, but having our own home has changed everything and it’s helped me to see life differently. Now, when I go to bed, I know my daughter is safe. "And to anyone going through what I went through, I want to say never give up. Keep trying, and ask for help." I wish more people knew there was help out there. You just have to ask. Thank you, DCM, for finding us a home. I am so happy that we are here, and that we made it. Karen with her DCM Ūara (Values) Award for Pono, which she won for her dedication to honesty and integrity. Care And Mana Beyond Central Wellington When Karen joined DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team in Lower Hutt, she didn’t realise how much it would change her. Coming from a background in government and HR, she had heard negative stereotypes about homelessness and wasn’t sure what to expect. But something in her knew she had to help. “I knew there was something more I needed to do, and I believe this was it.” DCM’s small but determined Lower Hutt team works with some of the most marginalised people in the region, many referred by Corrections or MSD. Unlike in central Wellington, they support more families. “It’s hard watching kids grow up in motels, going to school from emergency housing. But because we’re here, we can reach farther, do more, and react quickly for people who might otherwise be lost.” For Karen, this work is deeply personal. “Almost all of our whānau have complex needs, often mental health struggles, and that can be difficult. But we don’t let them slip through our fingers. I think they have slipped through enough gaps in the system. So we are passionate about supporting them and bestowing as much mana as we can on them. I feel very strongly about this.” She remembers a man who had been in a gang, now determined to build a new life for his daughter. “I got him housed, and now he takes so much pride in his whare (house). It’s the cleanest house you’ve ever seen. One day I visited, and he was wearing an apron, making bread. I thought, oh my gosh, if only they could see you now.” Karen wishes more people understood the reality of homelessness. “There just aren’t enough houses. But we are here, working so hard to get people off the streets, trying to help.” As we approach the end of the tax year, please consider making a contribution to support DCM’s ongoing work in our community. Your support helps us to provide essential services to those who need it most. Thank you for helping us make a difference. Support DCM Copyright © 2025 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: media@dcm.org.nz Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
- 26 Jan 2025
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A House of Wairua I had a house for over 12 years, but then they sold the property. Not long after, I found myself living the street life. I think I ended up on the streets because I didn’t have anyone. I was addicted to methamphetamine, and any money I had went on that. It still wasn’t enough, so I started hustling to get by. I was living in Whanganui then, but eventually came to Wellington with a friend. When I got here, I went back to hustling to afford food, and I was living on the streets. For about eight months, I was rough-sleeping, in and out of hospital, and just trying to survive. Then someone told me about DCM. They said I could go there and get a cup of tea, so I did. That cup of tea led to getting a key worker, and within weeks, they helped me into temporary housing. They realised I wasn’t getting the right benefit and sorted it out for me. They talked to me about permanent housing, and I said, “All I want is a roof over my head and a Laz-E-Boy!” DCM found me a place at Te Ki a Alasdair, and it was pure joy. I’ve just turned 60, and they told me, “This is your home now. It’s for life. We want to see you here as a koro (grandfather). No going backwards now.” Hearing that felt awesome. My favourite thing about having a home is being able to sit in my chair, relax, and look at the beautiful lights at night. And watching TV! "There’s a beautiful spirit here. It's changed my life." When I was in transitional housing, I decided to give up drugs, and I’ve done it. DCM supported me the whole way. They’re still with me on this journey, making sure I have what I need. [My key workers] keep me on track, and it’s bloody awesome to have them on my side. Having this home gives me the “oomph” to keep things tidy and do the right things. This is my house of enjoyment and of spirituality - my house of wairua (spirit/soul). I even have money to buy groceries now. DCM found someone to take me shopping and to my appointments. It’s been a journey to get here. I had to find my mana (power) and my pride again. Before, I was always asking, “Do you have any change?” but now that’s all behind me. I’m treated like a man now, and I feel like one. "I thought I would be on the streets in Wellington for life. Then I met DCM." DCM helps people get housing and luxuries like I have now: a TV and a double bed. They treat everyone with respect, even those of us from the streets. They do so much for people. Now, I’m warm, I’m secure, and I’m treated right. I feel like I can only go higher and higher. I’ve got a roof over my head, and I’m going to keep it for life and enjoy it to the end. Counselling and Care Without Judgement “There’s no amount of drug use or drinking you could tell me about that would shock me,” says Theo, DCM’s harm reduction counsellor. “I understand that no one just wakes up and starts using. It all comes from somewhere.” Theo’s lived experience with addiction inspires his work today. After attending residential treatment, he knew he wanted to help others find the same hope and support he had received. Now, he provides counselling and facilitates harm reduction and 'Cool and Calm' groups. “The counselling here is different,” Theo explains. “There are no barriers. You can come in even if you’re under the influence, and we’ll talk. You might miss sessions, but you’re always welcome back. Other services might refuse people for these reasons, but we can’t let that happen.” He also highlights the stigma faced by DCM’s whānau. “If you’re homeless, you might use drugs to stay awake, be warm, or get through the night. Basic things like showering or taking medication can be impossible. Everything becomes a barrier. It’s easy to judge someone who has less, but they’re playing a different game.” Addiction, mental health, and homelessness are deeply intertwined, according to Theo. “Do someone's addictions make their mental health worse, or the other way around?” Theo asks. “That’s not the best way to look at it, because they both exist together in a person. It's the same with homelessness; someone’s homelessness might exacerbate their drug use which exacerbates their mental health, which exacerbates their homelessness. ” Theo is passionate about harm reduction, a shift from abstinence-only approaches. "For a long time, abstinence was the only way to deal with addictions in society, which maybe comes from the way that we view it as a criminal matter, rather than a health matter", he says. "So, it's important here that we recognise that there is another really viable and valuable option, which is harm reduction. Abstinence, in a way, might sometimes set people up to fail. It’s an extremely big ask, especially if you are experiencing homelessness or housing-insecurity." Theo sees connection as an important aspect of harm reduction. “It’s really difficult to just stop doing drugs. The way to do it is to build up the rest of your life so that the part that was your drug use just becomes smaller and smaller.” He recalls taking a group of whānau to a subtitled film. “One of them hadn’t been to the movies in 40 years! Another couldn’t read but still got so much out of it. We sat there with popcorn and coke, and it was such a normal human experience. It was beautiful.” He sums it up simply: “We are all being ourselves and also becoming who we might be, all at once. I think we really let people do that here.” DCM's Mental Health Nurse Making A Difference DCM’s first mental health nurse, Natalie, is motivated by the desire to make a difference. “I realised my purpose in life is to help people,” she says. This led her to counselling and, eventually, to nursing, where she felt she could make the biggest impact. Her role at DCM is as varied as it is important. Natalie carries out mental health assessments, assists with medication management, and helps whānau connect with other services. “Many of our whānau have experienced childhood trauma and were born into situations they didn’t ask for,” she explains. Trauma often leads to mental health challenges and substance use, creating a difficult cycle. For Natalie, education is key to reducing stigma. “I would just love it if people took the time if they walked past someone in the street. Don't just instantly put them in a box in your mind. Go home and research how someone could become a rough sleeper. Learn about how trauma can affect someone's decision-making and put them in a position that they didn’t ask for." Her passion for her work is clear, as is her belief in DCM’s whānau. “They are human beings who’ve gone through struggles, but that doesn’t define who they are. I love seeing the beautiful qualities they sometimes don’t even know they have. I call them ‘juicy nuggets,’ and they’re something to celebrate.” DCM works hard to reduce barriers to essential care for those who need it most. One way we do this is by offering free mental health and harm reduction support. But we can’t do it without you! If you’d like to join us in this important work, please click the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2025 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: media@dcm.org.nz Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Happy Holidays and Thank You from DCM
- 17 Dec 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Happy Holidays and Thank You from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Happy Holidays and Thank You from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, and valued About Us Contact As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on 2024, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and share our gratitude for your incredible support. On behalf of everyone at DCM, thank you for standing with us. We couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to continuing this important mahi together in 2025! A Message from the Manahautū Tēnā koutou katoa, As we approach the end of another year, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you - our supporters, partners, and friends - who have walked alongside us over the past 12 months. Your generosity, advocacy, and belief in our kaupapa has made an incredible difference. Together, we’ve provided life-changing support to some of our community’s most vulnerable, ensuring they have access to care, housing, and connection. To our amazing staff - your compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been the backbone of our mahi, and I’m deeply proud of everything you’ve achieved this year. The holiday season is a time when many of us enjoy the warmth of whānau, shared love, and joyful moments. However, for some in our community, this can also be a time where risks of isolation, loneliness, and diminishing hope grow. It’s a stark reminder of how much more there is to do. This is also a time where your support can have a significant impact. Whether through a donation or simply spreading awareness, your aroha and generosity can bring light and connection to those who may feel forgotten. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind, making this season a little brighter for all. Ngā mihi nui, Stephen Turnock, DCM Manahautū (Director) This year, thanks to your generosity, we’ve held 400+ mental health and harm reduction sessions, distributed thousands of bags of groceries, provided 1,500+ free healthcare and dental appointments, welcomed 1,000+ people into Te Hāpai, helped many find and remain in stable housing, and so much more. As you stood alongside us, we stood alongside Wellington’s most marginalised, the people who have nowhere else to turn. None of this would have been possible without you. Thank you. We sat down with some of our staff this year and asked them "What's DCM's Why?". You can watch that video by clicking the red button. As we head into 2025, we remain committed to supporting Wellington’s most vulnerable. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. If you’d like to contribute to our work, click the link below. Thank you again for being a part of DCM. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
- 26 Nov 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Creating Connections and Changing Lives at DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Creating Connections and Changing Lives Spotlight on DCM's Te Pae Manaaki Tangata and Toro Atu DCM's Te Pae Manaaki Tangata and Toro Atu (Outreach) services form a vital support network for whānau. Te Pae Manaaki Tangata connects people with essential resources for their journey to health and wellbeing. Toro Atu extends this support, through outreach across Wellington, ensuring whānau are linked to the right services no matter where they are. In this Christmas newsletter, we share stories that highlight the impact of these services. DCM's Outreach Service - A Lifeline Like No Other DCM’s Toro Atu (Outreach) team is not just unique in Wellington, it’s irreplaceable. As the only service consistently offering tailored support to people rough sleeping, the team meets whānau wherever they are and works at their pace. The staff’s expertise in assertive outreach and their dedication to reaching the people our community experiencing homelessness sets DCM apart. For the Toro Atu team, it’s about showing up every day for those whom no one else can or will help. Raya and Grayson, two of the Toro Atu Kaimahi (staff), describe the work as both challenging and rewarding. “People experiencing homelessness, especially chronically, just fall through the cracks,” Raya explains. “They haven’t come across a service or organisation where the support is tailored to the person like at DCM.” Unlike most services that require meeting strict criteria to access help, Toro Atu operates with the flexibility to support people with what they need, regardless of their situation. The team works in partnership with the Wellington City Council, responding to reports of rough sleepers from the Council, businesses, and the public. They travel by foot or car to locate and talk with individuals. Raya explains, “When we receive a notification, we decide how to respond, which usually involves going out into the community. Often, the people we’re notified about are known to us. Other times, they’re new, and that’s an opportunity to engage, see how we can support, and let them know what’s available. It’s about building trust and relationships, then continuing to follow up as needed.” Outreach staff carry emergency supplies in their cars such as ready-to-eat food and essential forms for ID or birth certificate applications. “Assertive outreach means meeting people on their terms and on their turf,” Grayson explains. “We respect their boundaries, even if they aren't ready to engage. The assertive part is returning consistently and building trust, rather than labelling someone as the problem. We reflect on what barriers they might be facing and adjust our support to fit their needs." She adds, "While we don’t take away a person’s agency, we stick with them so that when they’re ready, often after months and months, we’re there to help.” For those sleeping in isolated areas or feeling nervous or fearful about approaching DCM for support, the team goes directly to them. Raya notes, “If someone is sleeping in a tent in the bush, far from town, it’s usually too difficult for them to access services. So, we go to where they are.” That initiative is part of what makes Toro Atu so effective. This hands-on approach is the building block to earning trust, though it is often a complex journey. Raya recalls a whānau member who avoided engagement and refused support. “When I first started, I noticed he would come in for coffee but sit away from others. On outreach, I’d see him on the street and make a point to say hello and have a bit of a chat. Over time, he began seeking me out at Te Pae Manaaki Tangata and we began to kōrero (talk). He eventually shared his story, his distrust in the system, and how many times he’d been let down. Just last week, he told me he’s ready to start looking for housing. He’s been homeless for a decade.” Grayson adds that the team’s diversity and the concept of whanaungatanga (making connections) can create breakthroughs. “We had a rough sleeper come in for coffee but not engage much beyond that. When his birth certificate arrived, I noticed his family came from the same town as mine in Australia. That opened up the opportunity for a conversation and a connection, and the very next day, he came in to talk about housing.” Stories like this one are common in the Toro Atu team and these little sparks of connection can lead to significant steps forward. The team celebrates every success, no matter how small it might seem. Raya acknowledges, “It takes time. Outreach is a gateway to our other services, and that is why working on building trust is so important. It might take months of visits, but then someone shows up at Te Pae Manaaki Tangata, ready to get an ID or start looking for housing. It takes courage to take those steps, and that is something we consider a huge win.” Even when progress feels slow, the team’s persistance pays off. Raya shares, “I worked with someone who was rough sleeping for months. They were often under the influence and I didn’t know if I was making progress. Then one day, they went to a mental health organisation, in distress because they had been trespassed from their bank, and named me as their key worker. That meant so much. I was able to step in immediately, connect them to DCM’s Money Management programme, and go from there. Now, they’re off the street and living in a respite house.” DCM’s outreach service provides a lifeline to the most marginalised and at-risk people in Wellington, stopping at nothing to break the cycle of homelessness. “The people we work with don’t fit into neat little boxes,” says Grayson. “DCM is a beautiful place for those in our city who feel like they don’t belong anywhere else.” The work is demanding, but for the Toro Atu team, it’s also deeply meaningful. As Raya puts it, “Ending homelessness is a collective responsibility. More people need to step up and say, ‘Let’s tackle this together as a community.’” Grayson agrees, “DCM is the community. Our whānau are the community. The people who support us are our community. We’re all in this together, working towards ending homelessness.” Finding Healing in Community I first came to DCM about 25 years ago with some mates. Back then, I was working at a tattoo shop, and I remember thinking, “this isn’t for me. I don’t need this place”. But that day stayed with me. Seeing so many people in need was humbling, and I never forgot it. A couple of years ago, I was in a bad place, and I ended up back at DCM. My personal journey has been complicated: struggles with addiction, rehab, and spending a long time in jail. For most of my life, I wouldn’t admit that I was one of the people who needed help. Only in the last three years have I been able to face it. I use a lot of DCM’s services, like Te Hāpai (a safe community space) and Te Awatea (harm reduction group) and have had healthcare too. There is no script to what happens here; everything is personal to you on the day. Some days you feel like a king; other days you feel like everything is wrong. But the people here embrace you, don’t judge you, and help you with what you need, whether it’s big or small. "I know that even when I come here and am having a bad day, the DCM staff will still be there for me. I have been to a lot of other places in the past where I didn’t have that." Everything got worse for me when I lost my daughter to suicide, and my mum passed away too. It’s impossible to explain what that feels like to someone who hasn’t experienced the death of a child. After my daughter died, I fell much deeper into addiction and it has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. It felt like I was in a black hole and I was gone for years. DCM has helped me and nurtured me to the point where I can sit in the Men's Group (Cool and Calm) and tell the others that I’ve changed my ways. It’s taken years for me to get to this point. I think Theo, (AOD counsellor at DCM), touches people, and their lives change because of it. I love these groups because we hold each other accountable as we walk and talk this journey together. For people that are in recovery, even if it’s been years, it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of. I’m 50 years old and I am just now learning all these things about myself! I have learned to accept the things I can't change, like how people see my tattoos and assume I’m threatening before I even speak. I’ve had to learn how to grieve, communicate, and face things about the way I have lived my life. My journey to sobriety isn’t over, but I know it's something I have to do. I’ve messed up a few times in the last sixteen months, but I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and coming back. My goal is to get healthy, save money, and make plans to go back to the East Coast. That’s my home, but I know I will need to help to get there. For the moment, I’m staying connected to the people at DCM. I do worry about things sometimes, but my mother used to say, “How can you get it wrong if it feels like you’re doing the right thing?” I appreciate everything that DCM has done for me. If I ever won the lottery, I would be here the next day with a donation! But for now, I come by DCM at night and clean up the courtyard when no one’s around. It’s everyone’s space, and that’s how I feel like I’m giving back. It’s part of my routine now, and I’m proud of it. "I know that everyone here walks by my side, not in front of me or behind me and that keeps me grounded, even when things are hard." I never would have believed a place like this existed, until I came and became a part of it myself. I think the people at DCM are beautiful and don’t get praised enough - they are changing lives and helping people every day. Sonny's Journey to Giving Back When Sonny came to DCM for an interview, he didn’t think he’d get the job. "I thought no one would want to hire a Māori guy who's had a rough life and can't even speak properly,” he says. But Sonny was hired as a Kaiāwhina (a support worker with lived experience), and he says he hasn’t looked back since. “Being a Kaiāwhina, for me, was about supporting our Kaimahi (at DCM, these are staff that directly support whānau) in any way I could. I also think having Kaiāwhina here is a really big part of connecting with our whānau,” Sonny explains. Now, as a Kaimahi, Sonny has taken on more responsibility, and it’s a role he’s proud of. “It inspires me to be a positive reflection of DCM, both to our whānau and to the other people in the community that we come across.” Sonny’s lived experience is at the heart of his mahi (work). “I lived through a lot of what our whānau are experiencing. I’ve been on that side of the fence, and that’s why I find it quite easy to engage with them. The life experience I have is important here.” Sonny is also proud that his journey might inspire others. “I love seeing whānau here that knew me before, when things were tough. They see me now, settled and working, and are happy for me. I think it gives them hope to see someone like them doing well." Despite this, Sonny stays humble about his role. “I don’t like attention or recognition. That’s not why I’m here. Sometimes, I don’t feel like I deserve to be told that I'm doing a good job. I am here to do this mahi to make up for all the things in my life that I am not proud of. Giving back by working here feels good, like it’s my time to do the right thing.” Reflecting on the opportunity DCM gave him, Sonny says, “Lived experience isn't a requirement to work here, but it is valued and is represented throughout, from our Kaiāwhina to some of our senior staff and leadership team. I think DCM is willing to give people a shot, whereas other places would make judgements based on a person’s past and not hire them. They don't judge; but see lived experience as something worthwhile.” Sonny also highlights the importance of DCM’s services, from Toro Atu (outreach) to Te Hāpai. “Our outreach team is so important for Wellington. We have so many whānau out there that just can’t be reached any other way. But we go out there every day and try to connect with as many people as we can. Our Te Hāpai space gets people off the street, and they can have coffee and kai and connection with the staff here.” Sometimes, it’s the small things that matter most. “Something as simple as seeing one of our whānau and saying hello might feel little to us, but it could be something big to them. It could be the only positive contact they have in a day,” Sonny says. For Sonny, this mahi has changed his outlook on life. “Now, I see a brighter future for me, just by working here, believe it or not,” he says. Can you help support DCM this Christmas? As we reflect on the year, we feel incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from you, our amazing community. Together, we’ve been Creating Connections and Changing Lives for people experiencing homelessness in Wellington. Your generosity has made a real difference for so many, and this Christmas, we’re asking for your support once again. For many of the people we see, the holiday season is especially hard - facing it without hope and without a place to call home. By donating to DCM, you’ll help us keep connecting with Wellington’s most marginalised, provide essential services, and work to break the cycle of homelessness. Thank you for continuing to believe in us and in our whānau. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference for those who need it most. Support DCM This Holiday Season Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: media@dcm.org.nz Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 21 Oct 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, and valued About Us Contact Content Warning: This newsletter touches on end-of-life care for people who have experienced homelessness, including death and family separation. We handle these issues with sensitivity, but they might be difficult to read. Please use your discretion. Dignity in Life and Death Regina (Kaiārahi) and Sia (Ringa Rehe) at our annual whānau memorial service At DCM, we believe that everyone deserves respect, in both life and death. Our whānau face many challenges, including a shorter life expectancy. A 2020 Waikato University study found that people experiencing homelessness in New Zealand live, on average, 30 years less than their housed peers, with many dying alone - a devastating fact. Losing one of our whānau is never easy, but it is a reality we sometimes face. When someone we support passes away, our care continues. Sia, our Kaiarataki Ringa Rehe (Practice Leader), emphasises, “DCM stops at nothing to provide love and compassion.” We arrange funerals if needed and offer comfort to friends and family. Our goal is to ensure that those who may have felt unseen in life are given dignity in death. Family estrangement often complicates end-of-life care, but our team goes to great lengths to reconnect relatives, even with little information, though we are not always successful. When we are able to track down someone's relatives, Sia describes it as a "miracle" because everything seems to fall into place. "It's part of our values to see the whole person - not just how they appeared to us at our door, but their family, whenua (land), and wairua (spirit)." Regina, Kaiārahi Aro Mai (Team Lead Aro Mai Housing First) who has been part of DCM for thirteen years, agrees. "The whakapapa reconnection that happens within families after one of our whānau passes can go so wide, and it can be so healing for them. It really becomes a generational reconnection, and it is wonderful to watch.” For the families of our whānau that we are able to reach, our work often brings peace. Many express gratitude, knowing that their missing loved one was cared for. To us, it’s more than just a part of our work; it’s an honour to look after our whānau as we would our own family members. If we are unable to find someone’s family, then we step in as a surrogate family. Sia describes this as a “privilege”. An example of this is when we learned that a woman we had previously supported was seriously ill. We ensured she made it to the hospital, and our staff took turns visiting her, offering comfort and companionship in her final days. "For her to accept compassion and aroha (love) after a lifetime of challenges was very meaningful and signified the immense changes she had made in the last part of her life," Sia remembers. DCM remained by her side, ensuring she wasn’t alone when she passed. Our commitment goes beyond immediate care. Every year, around Matariki, we gather for a special memorial service to honour those we've lost. "Everyone deserves to be remembered. Celebrating their life is important, no matter their circumstances," says Sia. This memorial allows us to share stories, lift each other up, and recognise the unique journeys of the whānau who have touched our lives. For some of our whānau, this is the only memorial they receive. Regina reflects, “Everyone deserves to die with dignity and respect. That’s the core of it for me.” Our end-of-life care may be unseen, but it leaves a lasting impact. Whether sitting with someone as they pass, reconnecting them with family, or remembering them at our annual memorial, we do it with aroha, right to the end. Partners in Care Danny Langstraat, Funeral Director at Harbour City Funeral Home Our relationship with Harbour City Funeral Home dates back to the early 1990s. Danny Langstraat, Funeral Director at Harbour City since 1993, reflects on the unique nature of the partnership, emphasising that "family" can mean many things beyond blood ties, and that is evident in the connection between DCM and our whānau. Over the years, Harbour City Funeral Home has been by DCM's side, helping with the sensitive and complex arrangements following the loss of one of our whānau. Danny points out that these funerals feel "very real and authentic," and he values hearing parts of the lives and personalities of our whānau that might not be known by many. Harbour City often assists DCM with the legal aspects surrounding end-of-life care, especially when a person has no family. Danny says Harbour City appreciates the opportunity to offer a bit of humanity, providing support and respect to those who may not have received much in life. He notes that society is poorer when we lose parts of the whole, quoting poet John Donne: "No man is an island... Every man is a piece of the continent." For Harbour City Funeral Home, supporting DCM’s work is part of a wider community ethos, as they strive to help every person receive the care they deserve, no matter their circumstances. Your support helps us continue providing care, compassion, and dignity to those who need it most. By donating to DCM, you make a meaningful difference for Wellington’s most marginalised and vulnerable residents. If you’d like to join us in this important work, please click the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 19 Sep 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A New Smile for a Fresh Start When I came to Wellington earlier this year, I was a full-blown addict - drugs and alcohol, homeless, and living on the streets - and I’d lost 23 kgs. I was caught up in all the wrong things, hanging around gangs, and spiraling deeper into addiction. But then my first grandchild was born, and that was the turning point for me. I realised I was no good to anyone as an addict. Now, I’ve changed my entire life, and I’m starting rehab tomorrow. I’ve been clean for three months. Addiction has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I think my traumatic childhood played a big part, even though I know that’s a bit of a stereotype. Things went from bad to worse ten years ago when I was working on oil rigs in Australia. A lot of the people I worked with used meth to get through the night shifts. One night, I joined in, and within a year, I was hooked. I found out about DCM through others in the homeless community. I was very unwell, and they encouraged me to come here. When I first came to DCM and started seeing the dentist, I was missing all my top teeth. Not having teeth affected me hugely. I wouldn’t even go outside in public if I could avoid it. "I felt naked without my teeth. It damaged my self-esteem and confidence and I struggled to eat and talk. It really impacted everything for me." When I found out DCM could help me get dentures, I was over the moon. Having the dentures gave me my pretty smile back! I can eat and talk again. My grandad always told me, “When you leave the house, make sure you look presentable,” and now, I feel like I do. Working with the team at the DCM dental clinic was amazing. Sophie (volunteer lead dentist at DCM’s dental clinic) is so down-to-earth and skillful. Everyone was so approachable and kind. They help people so much more than they realise. I’ve also had counselling here at DCM and connected with other people. It’s been such a good experience. Now, I’m housed, with a long-term tenancy agreement. I actually gave uni a shot just before I came to Wellington. I even landed a law degree placement. But then a few bad things happened, and I fell back into addiction, so I didn’t take the opportunity. It’s still there, though, so I can go back to it one day. I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer or a judge. Being a grandad now, and knowing there are more grandchildren to come – that’s what drives me. I have to do this for them. I’m so glad I met everyone at DCM and grateful that they’ve been a part of my journey. It pays to be vulnerable, to be honest, and to embrace change - change your body, change your life. It starts with being honest with yourself, reaching out, and asking for support. "There’s nothing but good here at DCM. They help people so much. It’s so much more in-depth than just a set of teeth, it’s humanity." The Power of Poetry John Howell, volunteer at DCM For the past decade, John has been a dedicated volunteer at DCM, starting when we were known as ICM (Inner City Ministry). A retired minister, he was looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the community. He has held multiple roles in that time but found he could make the biggest impact in an unexpected way - through poetry. It all began when someone asked him a simple question: "How does a poem work?" John's answer - "The best way to learn about poetry is to read poetry". The next week he brought in a few poems to share and that was the beginning of our weekly poetry classes. Each week, John carefully selects poems he thinks will resonate with our whānau. Poems that touch on themes of culture, challenges, and emotions that many can relate to. For John, poetry is a way for people to open up, share their stories, and process their experiences. His hope is that even a single line in a poem or story will connect with someone, and help them through a dark moment. The impact of these classes has been enormous. John recalls one session where, after reading a poem about depression, every person in the room raised their hand when asked if they could relate. Another whānau member began writing his own poetry after attending the classes, using it to process personal trauma. John acknowledges that it may be a surprise to many people that our whānau - who have experienced such challenges - would be interested in poetry. "Poetry enlarges how we see the world and ourselves," John says. "It’s not a lecture or a sermon - it’s someone’s lived experience in words, touching what it means to be human." And he believes that is something that is accessible to everyone. For John, volunteering at DCM is a way to stay connected with the more vulnerable members of his community. He sees it as an important part of his faith, describing it as 'loving your neighbor'. Through his poetry classes, John offers something that goes beyond meeting basic needs. He believes Te Hāpai (DCM's community space) fills the whānau's bellies with food and coffee, and the poetry fills people's souls. Learning to Smile Again I've been in Wellington for nearly thirty years, and I've been involved with DCM on and off since the early days, back when Pam Whittington was around. I didn’t always make the best decisions when I was younger. I grew up mostly in government care and went through a lot of abuse. It was hard, but I’ve worked through it. I’ve been clean for 18 years now. I used to be really negative, and I had a lot of issues to deal with, after everything that happened to me. But I’ve done a lot of work on myself, and I’m in a good place now. I still have big health issues, like epilepsy and depression, so I can’t work. But I try to help people online who’ve been through similar things. I feel like I’ve been through so much, I can use that to help others. One thing I couldn’t put off any longer was my teeth. Being on the benefit, I couldn’t ever get proper dental care. I could only afford to get teeth extracted when there were issues - no fillings or anything like that. Over the years, everything just deteriorated, and I ended up with hardly any teeth left. I felt really self-conscious about it. People judge you for not having teeth, and it affected how I saw myself, especially when I was talking to people online. I talked to my key worker at DCM, and within a week, I had my first appointment with the dentist. He was really cool, and we got on well. He cleaned my teeth and took molds, and a week later, I got a phone call saying my new teeth were ready. I couldn’t believe it - it was that fast. I hadn’t had a full set of teeth in nearly 20 years, and suddenly, here they were. I can’t tell you how much better I feel with my new teeth - now I can smile again. It all came together so quickly, and I just feel good, ay. DCM really is changing people’s lives, bit by bit. "I feel lucky to live in a country where something like this is possible, and I just really appreciate what everyone at the DCM Dental Clinic has done for me." Highlight: Yoga at DCM When Joel started teaching yoga, he quickly realised the practice could benefit DCM's whānau, so he worked with the Piki te Ora team to set up a weekly class and has now been volunteering for two years. Joel describes the weekly class as both lively and interactive, often more so than typical yoga sessions. The whānau love to chat throughout and there are a few regulars who often participate. Joel values these interactions and the opportunity to connect with our whānau - especially when they share their personal stories and challenges. Seeing more people struggling and slipping through the cracks, Joel felt inspired to help. Through his yoga classes, Joel offers simple tools to ease sore bodies and active minds, helping whānau to find peace and create a little space of calm. DCM needs your support now more than ever. By donating to DCM, you are directly impacting the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in Wellington. If you would like to support us, please do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 19 Aug 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From Our Manahautū Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Homelessness Stephen Turnock, Manahautū (Director) at DCM Kia ora koutou The landscape of the Social Sector in New Zealand has been rapidly changing, especially with recent government policy shifts. At DCM, we have observed the challenges these changes bring within the homeless environment we serve. We firmly believe that housing should be a human right without preset conditions, but as a nation, we appear to be moving further away from this ideal. This shift has significant consequences for the most vulnerable members of our society - those who depend on support to secure safe and stable housing. Housing is not just a physical structure; it is the foundation of wellbeing, stability, and a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, recent policies have increasingly treated housing as a privilege, contingent on meeting specific criteria. This has made it more difficult for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to access the housing they desperately need. Conditions such as employment, sobriety, or other benchmarks create barriers that impact the most vulnerable, including those with mental health issues, addiction challenges, or histories of trauma. It is expected that the current direction will continue to impact generations of Māori, who are already disproportionately represented in negative social and health outcomes. The overrepresentation of Māori in these statistics is a stark reminder of the systemic inequities that continue to affect their communities. The barriers created by current housing policies exacerbate these disparities, making it even more challenging for Māori to access the support they need to achieve stable housing and better life outcomes. At DCM, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting those who are left behind by these policy shifts. Our approach is whānau-centered, focusing on holistic, wraparound support that addresses housing needs and the broader challenges whānau face. We continue to advocate for fundamental changes that prioritise getting people into warm, safe, long-term housing with intensive support services. This evidence-based approach has consistently yielded positive outcomes, including improved health, stronger social connections, and greater financial sustainability. Our efforts to support highly vulnerable individuals are more critical now than ever. Through programs like Housing First and Sustaining Tenancies, we have seen people who were once entrenched in homelessness achieve remarkable transformations - moving into permanent housing, reconnecting with whānau, and rebuilding their lives. These outcomes reinforce our belief that with the right support, everyone has the potential to thrive. Addressing homelessness requires a collaborative approach. Decades of research and evidence prove that working proactively with all agencies, including the government, is the most effective way to create lasting change. Housing should be a human right, and we will continue to work towards a future where everyone has access to safe, stable housing without conditions. Our work at DCM is far from over, but with the support of you, our partners, and the community, we believe we can build a more just and equitable society for all. Ngā mihi nui Stephen Turnock Manahautū The Work Doesn't Stop at a Roof Moses and Penny, Kaimahi in our Noho Pai team Finding a house is a huge part of our whānau’s journey – but that is often just the beginning. At DCM, our Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) team works hard everyday to ensure that our most vulnerable whānau not only remain housed but also find stability, belonging, and hope for their future. The Noho Pai service steps in when whānau are at risk of losing their homes. Penny and Moses, two of our dedicated Kaimahi (staff), describe their work as a daily commitment to walking alongside whānau in their toughest times, as their equals. Our team receives referrals from various sources, both from within DCM and from external agencies. The reasons for referral vary - unpaid rent, property maintenance issues, or unauthorised occupants - but the goal is always the same: keep the whānau housed. The people that Noho Pai work with are among Wellington’s most marginalised. Many have been let down by the systems meant to support them. They’re wary of help, often feeling judged or mistreated. Noho Pai seeks to be different: uplifting and empowering rather than taking over. DCM is often considered the ‘last resort’ for many of these whānau but we don’t see it that way. “They lose their voice. Society judges them, or mistreats them, and they no longer have a voice. So we become their voice, for as long as they need us to be.”- Penny, Noho Pai The immense adjustments that come with transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing means that whānau often find it difficult to manage a household and pay their rent and other bills. Living on very low-incomes, they may need support with groceries, budgeting, or connecting with other organisations. Faced with so many new responsibilities, these ‘basic’ skills can feel overwhelming. Previous trauma and addiction can create a cascade of problems, while mental health issues often lead to labels like ‘anti-social,’ which Penny and Moses find dismissive and unhelpful. These labels can further alienate whānau, they say, making reintegration into society more difficult. The stories our Kaimahi hear are often difficult and confronting, but they also create perspective which makes the ‘small’ successes all the more meaningful. It’s about celebrating every victory - especially when whānau take ownership of their journey, set new goals, and ask, “What do I need to do to achieve this?” We stay with our whānau for as long as they need us, celebrating their growth and successes along the way. And when they’re ready to move forward on their own, we develop an exit plan together, ensuring they know they can always come back. The work doesn’t stop at a roof. It’s just the beginning of a journey - one that Noho Pai walks with whānau every step of the way. An Outreach Walk with Tamatha Paul MP Tamatha Paul along with her assistant and members of our Outreach Team being serenaded by whānau on the streets of Wellington MP Tamatha Paul recently met with DCM to discuss the challenges currently faced by our whānau in Wellington. She also joined our Toro Atu team on an outreach walk to connect directly with those who are rough-sleeping. Tamatha’s visit allowed us to highlight the difficulties our whānau are experiencing and the importance of working together to tackle homelessness and support those in need. Thank you, Tamatha, for coming to visit! There are so many ways you can support DCM to make meaningful change in the lives of our whānau. We ask for your support because we know that what we do works - we see the results of our mahi everyday as we walk alongside whānau who are navigating challenges that many of us will not ever face. If you would like to support us, please do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 18 Jul 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Journey of Recovery: One Day at a Time I've been coming to DCM since 2012. I wasn’t homeless, but I was an alcoholic, and I was tangled up with the courts. My dad was an alcoholic, and I was abused by someone else when I was a child, which is what drove me to drink. I did drugs too but gave those up before I could quit drinking. My life changed dramatically after I collapsed outside of a pub and landed in the hospital. The doctor told me my liver was failing and that if I didn’t stop drinking, I would die. He suggested I go to DCM in Wellington, and that advice saved my life – I’ve been here ever since! "DCM has made a big difference in my life. I am now a recovered alcoholic and have been sober since I started coming here." Waking up sober is an amazing feeling, as is knowing that I am 58 years old now! I come to DCM every day, even after all this time, and get a coffee in Te Hāpai. I just like it here; the staff are all so good to talk to. They like it when I tell them who won the rugby! I’ve had counseling here, which really helped me with my journey. When I was going back and forth to court in the beginning, my counselor at DCM was the only person I had to support me. I attend the harm-reduction group (Te Awatea) twice a week and I share my story with others about what I went through during my drinking days. (Te Awatea is a service designed to reduce the harm of substance abuse and is led by DCM staff. It is a safe space where people can share their journey and support one another.) There were times when I had no food, and I relied heavily on the food bank here. I don't need it anymore, but they told me that I can always come back if I have to. I won’t though, because now, I’m doing really well! I want to help other people who are facing the same struggles that I did. Because I know how it feels to be addicted to something. One day, I hope to work for DCM and help others the way that the staff here helped me. DCM really supported me when no one else would. "When people ask me about DCM and what they do, I just point at myself and say, I’m alive. I’m here, and I am alive!” I want to be an inspiration to other people who are starting on their journey. I know that many alcoholics die; I know a lot of people who have. Some people have asked me how I made it through, and I say, “It’s one day at a time. Just one day at a time.” I really love it here and I want to say thank you to every one who supports DCM. The Meihana Model - Putting Whānau First At DCM, we believe our staff are a taonga (treasure) that we continually invest in. By doing so, we raise the bar for the standard of our services and the treatment of the people who enter through our doors each day. In our ever-changing environment, we are constantly responding to the needs of our whānau, ensuring they remain at the heart of our practice. We are proud to announce that we have recently begun incorporating the Meihana Model into our service delivery. This model, created by Suzanne Pitama, whose maiden name is Meihana, puts our whānau at the centre. Suzanne, a psychology graduate, developed this holistic method of practice and assessment born from her desire to honour Māori culture, improve health outcomes, and expand upon the existing Te Whare Tapa Whā concept. The Meihana Model acknowledges the significant impact of a person’s physical home on their well-being and health. For many of our whānau, this might mean wherever they lay their sleeping bag down for the night. This model provides a tool that allows whānau to share their aspirations and goals, rather than us imposing what we think they need. It offers a framework that ensures our whānau feel safe, heard, and at the centre of their own journey. By building trust with our whānau and understanding their needs and desires, we can make a profound difference in whether they receive the support they need. The Meihana Model is inclusive, applying to everyone, not just those who identify as Māori. It acknowledges all aspects of being human, from relationships and spirit to one’s physical environment. Rather than fitting people into a rigid model of treatment, we mould this model around the individual needs of our whānau. It is personalised and tailored, allowing us to walk alongside them, supporting their needs, not our assumptions. This approach not only enhances our level of expertise in the sector but also ensures that we continue to provide exceptional, whānau-centred care. We are excited to begin implementing the Meihana Model into our practice and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our whānau and staff. Matariki at DCM Every year, DCM staff and whānau honour Matariki in several ways, including a beautiful shared hangi on the waterfront and a Memorial Service to remember the DCM whānau who have passed away in the previous year. This year, we commemorated the lives and personalities of eleven DCM whānau who passed away in the last twelve months. We know that experiencing homelessness drastically shortens lifespans; some studies suggest by as much as thirty years. This reality is not only devastating but also avoidable. Housing is a human right, and no one should have their lives shortened simply because they do not own a home. By supporting DCM, you are backing an organisation that does the hard mahi, helping people whom no one else will. Our goal remains to create a Wellington where everyone is housed, connected, and valued within their communities. Eleven candles lit - One for every DCM Whānau who passed over the last year Every donation helps us support whānau through their toughest times and fosters lasting, positive change in Wellington. Your generosity fuels our efforts and transforms lives. Click below to make a difference for those who need it most. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 20 Jun 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact More than a coffee at Te Hāpai In the courtyard at Te Hāpai (which means, "to lift up") I was homeless and living in transitional housing when someone told me about DCM, and all the activities here. From the first time I came, I loved it. I was very shy before I started coming to Te Hāpai, but not anymore! Now, I’m cheeky and full of life. DCM has become my happy place and my second home, I love everyone here. "It’s not just about the coffee; it’s about making new friends and learning new things." I’ve attended the anger management classes that happen at Te Hāpai, and they were so helpful. I’ve learned a lot of tools that I can use, and now I know how to manage my emotions. I can calm down even if someone else is mad at me. I’ve seen the nurses at DCM too, and they helped me to get my booster shot, which I thought was so important. I used to always be lonely, but now, I have friends here. I love talking to the staff at DCM; they are like brothers and sisters, all working together to help people like me. I’m really a loving person but my dad passed away, and my mum has dementia, which has been really hard. It's one of the things that contributed to me being homeless for a while. I don’t think anyone should be homeless. I just wish everyone could be happy and warm, in a house. Now, as a Pacific Warden, I give people on the streets blankets and socks to try and help them. Sometimes, I wish I were a police officer too. Maybe in the next lifetime. I think my heart and soul is here at DCM now! There are so many activities and friendly people. Thank God for the people who support this place and the staff who work here. "DCM changed my life, and I’m happy because of it." Outreach in Winter Winter is unforgiving when you are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, presenting challenges to this vulnerable population that other groups in society simply don’t have to deal with. “The number of blankets we see on the streets multiplies, the same for the number of makeshift structures, people just want to stay out of the cold and try to stay dry”, says Rowan, of our Piki te Ora Pou (Outreach team). Rowan notices an increase in people at our office on Luke’s Lane looking for help as the weather turns colder. We know that there are more risks for people who are rough sleeping in winter. “There’s more worry about their health. We know that this community is prone to a lot of illness, especially when it’s wet and cold. It’s really sad and heartbreaking,” says Rowan, reflecting on how her experience of going on outreach changes in the winter months when she knows that the people she sees rough sleeping are going to be too cold to stay in good health. For women who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, there are added concerns during winter. They might feel they have no other option than to stay in an unsafe situation to keep themselves warm and dry, making it harder to escape domestic violence and impacting their ability to connect with us, Rowan explains. There is no easy way to reduce the number of people who find themselves rough-sleeping or are otherwise at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Wellington during winter. The problem requires a shift in how we think about and provide housing to the most vulnerable in our population. “We need houses! We need robust, resilient housing. Our people need housing that is resilient, and social housing that is supportive. If I go through something life-altering, I shouldn’t lose my house. If someone has a mental health crisis, that shouldn’t turn into a housing crisis. ”, says Rowan. For whānau who deal with mental health issues and addictions, they can find their housing at risk as a result. “Our housing also needs to be affordable. I know of people working full-time with a stable income who are currently flatting to save on housing costs because they know that if they were to live alone, around 50% of their salary would be spent on rent.” For our whānau and others who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, flatting often isn’t an option. In the private market, they would be paying a high percentage of their already low income on housing costs, leaving less money available for other essentials such as food and clothing. DCM works tirelessly to support those experiencing homelessness, especially during the harsh winter months. Our teams provide essential assistance and advocacy for the most marginalized people in Wellington. However, we can't do it alone. Join us to help protect our most vulnerable communities year-round. Foodbank Appeal- Ngā Mihi Nui A huge ngā mihi nui (thank you very much) to everyone who supported our most recent Foodbank Appeal, which took place on Saturday, May 25th. Our amazing volunteers managed to collect an impressive 94 boxes of food and goods! Thanks to the generous people of Wellington, we will now be able to keep our Pātaka Kai stocked throughout the winter season. If you missed out and want to help, it's not too late! We accept donations any time at our donation drop-box at New World Chaffers and during the week at our offices on Lukes Lane. One of our wonderful Foodbank Appeal volunteers There are so many ways you can support DCM to make meaningful change in the lives of our whānau. We ask for your support because we know that what we do works - we see the results of our mahi everyday as we walk alongside whānau who are navigating challenges that many of us will not ever face. If you would like to support us, please do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 16 May 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Message From Our Manahautū Stephen Turnock, Manahautū (Director) at DCM Tēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, Hello to you all and warm greetings to you all As we reflect on the past two months and look ahead to the future amidst the brisk embrace of Autumn, I feel a sense of privilege to share with you some insights into the journey ahead for DCM and the individuals we tirelessly advocate for. The onset of colder weather brings with it a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Each drop in temperature exacerbates the already precarious situation of individuals without shelter. As we prepare to confront these challenges head-on, it's crucial to acknowledge this season's profound impact on the well-being of our community's most vulnerable members and therefore the well-being of our city, Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Furthermore, the environment in our sector is constantly evolving, influenced by various factors. A new Government has added to our dynamic landscape. These transitions may bring about significant changes that affect the services we provide and the people we assist. However, in response, we are dedicated to working alongside the new government, seeking collaborative solutions that prioritise the well-being of our community. In the face of such uncertainty, we remain steadfast in our commitment to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our services grow to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. To build the capability of our staff, we have upskilled in de-escalation and motivational interviewing techniques. This training equips our team with essential tools to better understand and support the individuals we serve, fostering deeper connections and more effective interventions. The benefits of this training for those we support are immense. De-escalation techniques empower our staff to defuse tense situations and minimise conflict, creating safer environments for both whānau and our team members. Moreover, motivational interviewing allows us to engage with individuals in a more empathetic and empowering manner, helping them to explore their goals and aspirations while building the confidence and resilience needed to overcome obstacles on their journey towards stability and self-sufficiency. I must also take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication of our staff. Their tireless work, often in the face of daunting challenges, is the backbone of our organisation. Their compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our mission inspire us all and serve as a testament to the incredible impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of others. Last but certainly not least, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Your ongoing support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply lending a compassionate ear, is nothing short of extraordinary. It is your generosity and solidarity that enable us to continue our vital work, empowering us to provide essential services and support to those in need, particularly during these challenging times. As we venture into the colder months ahead, let us stand together, united in our commitment to compassion and aroha. With your continued support, I am confident that we can weather any storm and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Ngā mihi nui kia koutou katoa Stephen Turnock Manahautū A Quiet Life With Caesar I started working with DCM when I was homeless, living in my car with my dog, Lyric. During that time, I often found myself at DCM because the people I knew were getting help there with all sorts of things. One day, someone at DCM asked me, "Do you need somewhere to live?" Without hesitation, I said yeah! It wasn't easy to find a place, especially with Lyric, but she was my family, and I couldn't imagine life without her. She had some hereditary issues and arthritis and the vet had warned me that she wouldn’t have a long life. A few years later, I faced one of the hardest decisions ever. I told her all the time that I would take care of her but I couldn’t let her live like that anymore. So, I had to put my faith in the vet to make it quick for her at the end. After Lyric passed away, I got a new dog, Caesar. He’s everything to me now – my companion and my whole life. I rescued him from a bad situation and love to spoil him. I spend all my time with Caesar since I can’t go many places due to my health issues. When I was younger, I was a tradesman and I knew how to build things and make things. But now arthritis and injuries have made it too hard for me to work. I’ve had a couple of severe concussions and feel lucky to be alive. I used to feel out of place on building sites and didn't have a support system, which is a common story for many people who end up in situations like mine. I didn’t know how to socialise and found conversations difficult. This is just the way life goes for some people. Sometimes people have support and company and sometimes people don’t. I've experienced homelessness on and off since the '90s. I got caught up with the wrong people, which influenced a lot of things for me. It was lonely and hard for a long time, but DCM changed all that. They helped me find a home. Recently, DCM helped me move to a new place that suits my needs better. I like to live a quiet life so this place is really nice for me. Caesar loves it too, and we go for lots of walks. When I first moved in, the place was pretty bare, but DCM helped me retrieve some things from a storage locker that I hadn’t seen in years. It felt so good to put those things in my new home. DCM has a hard job with so many people to help, but they always made time for me. I couldn’t have found a house without them. I think that the system isn’t built for people like me – people who get pushed aside. My advice to others out there struggling is to not give up. Find someone like DCM, ask for help, and just don’t give up. The Heart of Pātaka Kai Since its inception, our Pātaka Kai has been more than just a food bank. It's often a lifeline but always a means of connection. Unlike traditional food banks that provide generic pre-packed parcels of food, the Pātaka Kai operates with respect for the autonomy of our whānau (service users), by allowing them to choose items from a list based on their specific needs. According to Kaiārahi Tari (Office & Facilities Manager) Alexi, Pātaka Kai is a door to wider support. Hunger may be an immediate need that we can immediately address, but it also serves as a conversation starter, allowing staff to understand the deeper challenges that our whānau face. "It's a good starting point to navigate someone through our other services, to really tackle their challenges from every angle and support them as much as we can," Alexi says. Over the years, the demand for food support has increased, leading the Pātaka Kai to expand from being open only twice a week to now serving our community every weekday morning. Our staff will also deliver groceries to whānau that we have assisted into housing who despite now having a roof over their head, may struggle to afford food due to low incomes. This is one of the many ways we support people to sustain their tenancy and one of our Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) staff refers to this as “a hand-up, not a hand-out.” Our Pātaka Kai relies on the generosity of the public, alongside strong partnerships with businesses like Pandoro, Kaibosh, Fix & Fogg, and many of the Wellington faith communities. Donations during food bank appeals and contributions at the New World Chaffers drop box throughout the year keep the shelves stocked so the support can continue. Jaimie, Kaiāwhina Pātaka Kai (Food Bank Lead) acknowledges the whakamā (shame) some of our whānau may feel when seeking food but emphasises that our Pātaka Kai is a judgement-free space where everyone is treated like friends and family. "We want people to feel comfortable asking us for support, just as they would ask their own family," Jaimie states. She acknowledges times are tough for everyone, with the rising cost of living, and donations aren't always enough to meet the demand. Yet, our commitment to supporting our community remains the same. Our next Foodbank Appeal is on Saturday May 25th. Your support makes a difference. Please stop by New World Chaffers, New World Metro, or New World Newtown between 9:00am and 5:00pm on the 25th May to drop off non-perishable food and hygiene items to our amazing volunteers! Jaimie in DCM's Pātaka Kai Providing housing is only one of the ways you can support DCM to make meaningful change in the lives of our whānau. We ask for your support because we know that what we do works - we see the results of our support everyday as we walk alongside whānau who are striving to improve their situation and navigating challenges that many of us will not face. If you would like to support us please do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM Wellington, 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM
- 24 Apr 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Te Kī a Alasdair - A Place to Call Home communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact A Place to Call Home 20 DCM whānau have made a home in Te Kī a Alasdair, Wellington’s vibrant new community housing. Te Kī a Alasdair building. Te Kī a Alasdair (The Voice of Alasdair), which opened in October 2023, is located on Frederick Street and is one of the newest and largest community housing developments in Wellington. Comprising 75 purpose-built apartments for those in the community with disabilities and complex needs, the development was the vision of Maurice and Kaye Clark, founders of Kirva Trust, in recognition of their late son Alasdair. Alasdair was well-known at DCM as one of the food bank volunteers and a supporter of society's marginalized people, working hard despite having his own challenges of autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. “Alasdair really opened our eyes” says Kaye, “we are doing this because of him. He changed our lives enormously.” Through their son, they became passionate about the need for long-term social housing. When asked about her vision for Te Kī a Alasdair, she says “I want to see the tenants flourish, and feel happier. I want their lives to blossom.” To create Te Kī a Alasdair, Kirva Trust worked alongside community housing providers Emerge Aotearoa and Homes of Choice, as well as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, with construction carried out by McKee Fehl. DCM and our whānau are so grateful to the Kirva Trust for their support and their vision for the Wellington community. Maurice and Kaye Clark. Since opening, 20 of DCM’s whānau have been placed into permanent housing in Te Kī a Alasdair. Anton’s New Chapter ‘Anton’ has experienced homelessness on and off most of his life. He frequently visits Te Hāpai at DCM which offers him “a place where I can come and chill out, have a coffee and Milo and just have time.” Anton moved into Te Kī a Alasdair in February. “I was super excited. I was also quite relieved. I’ve wanted something like this for so long,” Anton shares, when talking about receiving the news of his new home. “It’s a place I can take pride and joy in. I keep cleaning to make it look perfect.” He has enjoyed setting up his new space exactly as he wants it to be – with social areas and a beanbag on the balcony. “I love having a house that I can be proud of, and bring my family to. It’s never been like this for me.” Before finding his new home, Anton faced challenges in other housing situations. “Before moving in here, I was in different housing, but it wasn’t a healthy place for me to be,” he reveals. Health issues from black mould and a heart attack led him to a stay in hospital and then back to the streets briefly before his keyworker helped secure his spot at Te Kī a Alasdair. Anton holding a cup of hot chocolate before making his way out onto the balcony. Adjusting to indoor living after years on the streets hasn’t been easy for Anton. “I did struggle at first, I am not used to spending so much time inside. I was on the streets for 31 years so getting used to a house is hard. It feels like a foreign land” he admits. However, with time, Anton says he is getting used to it and finding comfort in his own space, though he sometimes sleeps with the windows open so that it feels like it did when he slept outside. “I don’t feel so depressed like I used to feel.” “I see this as a permanent place, my home, my whare, my house,” Anton says, getting excited when he realises that it is the first time he has called this space a ‘home’. From A Tent to a Whare Full of Warmth ‘Maia’ has been working with DCM for over 3 years since one of the outreach workers saw her living in a tent and started a conversation. “I’m so glad that she found me. It has opened my eyes to the help available, and I can now share my experience with others who might need it. I'm grateful that there's a place like DCM out there to help people like me,” says Maia. Maia recently had a major operation and relied on support from DCM to see her through. She says, “My keyworker at DCM was there for me throughout the process. When I was told I could move into Te Kī a Alasdair, I thought it was fantastic!” “Compared to where I was before, this new place is much cleaner and drier. After my operation, all I wanted was a space to put my feet up and recover. I'm glad I had a place I could come to where it's warm, nice, and safe. Now I can focus on getting better. I like the peace and quiet,” reflects Maia. “I am so glad I am here and not where I was before.” Maia was in emergency housing before being placed in Te Kī a Alasdair. She struggled with the noise, the mess, and the lack of security. She admits it was pretty tough. “It’s been a big change going from living in a tent, and then living with others, to this place. This is my home now and I like to have kai in the pantry all the time,” she says. Maia is excited for her son to visit next week. “He wants me to cook him a roast—it’s his favourite! He loves mum’s roast, and I haven’t been able to cook properly for so long.” “I love it here. It’s a place just for me.” Please note names have been changed for privacy reasons. Finding Creativity and Inspiration – DCM’s 2nd Annual Art Show At DCM, we know our whānau have many talents, and it was an honour to recently showcase their creativity at our second annual Art Show. This year, we featured six artists: Paul, Jason, Gorgery, Ngata, Daniel, and Mark—each with their own creative flair and style, bringing a splash of colour to Wesley Church Hall on April 11th. During the event, our artists came to life as they engaged with the public about their works. Paul, whose work was varnished for protection, added an additional sensory experience to his paintings by inviting viewers to feel their texture, drawing them into his world. Jason’s paintings reflected the sparkle of his personality, shining brightly as light hit the glitter he used as a central element across all his work. Jason was also a featured artist in last year’s show; his expanded portfolio is a sign of his growing connection with his creative self. Gorgery, recognised both internationally and within Aotearoa, presented a series of mixed media works—watercolour, acrylic and ink—that focus on nature and link back to Chinese culture. Calligraphy was incorporated into each piece, with poems he wrote in Chinese as a part of his creative process. Ngata’s artworks comprised of concentric circles of different sizes forming geographic patterns that were mesmerizing and full of intrigue. Daniel, traditionally trained in Fine Art with a Master’s Degree, submitted several acrylic paintings exploring his interest in Daoist philosophy. Mark, an emerging artist who uses creativity to explore his inner self and reality, rounded out the exhibition with two pieces that commented on faith and love. Jason with his works. Providing housing is only one of the ways you can support DCM to make meaningful change in the lives of our whānau. We ask for your support because we know that what we do works - we see the results of our support everyday as we walk alongside whānau who are striving to improve their situation and navigating challenges that many of us will not face. If you would like to support us please do so by clicking the button below. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 11 Mar 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Te Pae Manaaki Tangata – The place where people experience manaakitanga communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Neighbours Aotearoa – growing connections together DCM is celebrating Neighbours Aotearoa throughout the month of March. Neighbours Aotearoa focusses on getting to know your neighbours a little bit better. We always want to encourage our people not only to get housed, but to be connected, valued and thriving in their communities – and a big part of that is about being a good neighbour. And so, on Wednesday 6 March we again hosted a chess tournament in Te Aro Park. The DCM team and whānau played chess matches throughout the day with our neighbours. It was a fun and uplifting day! Special thanks to The Y for putting on a sausage sizzle. Every Monday and Friday at 9am throughout the month of March, we are also inviting everyone to join us for karakia and waiata in Te Aro Park. We love to be able to sing and start our day with our neighbours. If you're in the neighbourhood, join us! Te Pae Manaaki Tangata The place where people experience manaakitanga It’s 9am on a Tuesday morning – which means it is time for the DCM team to start their day with karakia and waiata. Staff filter out into the courtyard at the end of Lukes Lane, joined by whānau – who are among some of the most marginalised people in the city of Wellington. Whaea Jenny (right) leads karakia and waiata in DCM’s courtyard, which has filled up with staff and whānau, including numerous people who are rough sleeping. Ngaire is the duty team leader, and with a break in the construction noise going on all around the building, she calls everyone’s attention to what’s happening today. Te Aro Health will be here for walk-in appointments, an MSD worker will be available to talk to people about their housing and other concerns, and at 10am there will be a poetry group. Tea, coffee and kai are also available – and people are welcome to catch up with DCM staff about anything and everything they need. The need is great at the moment. DCM has an Outreach team that met 58 new people on the streets of Wellington in October-December 2023. 47 were recorded as rough sleeping, and almost all made their way to DCM. In fact, alongside DCM’s Outreach team, their main referral source was each other. Word on the street is often, “Go down to DCM – they’ll help you.” Subsequently, DCM is a busy hub of activity. They have named their day-to-day services on Lukes Lane ‘Te Pae Manaaki Tangata’, which means ‘The place where people experience manaakitanga’. ‘Te Pae’ refers to the place where this work has always happened at DCM, where it was previously known as a ‘frontline’ or ‘triage’ service. ‘Manaaki Tangata’ refers to the care and support this service provides while acknowledging the expertise of the many practitioners who come through DCM. Waiata begins, and DCM is joined by numerous whānau. Some sing enthusiastically while others stand back on the sidelines. Two men who are rough sleeping nearby DCM join in. One older man will be taken over to Wesley Methodist Church for a shower later on this morning before a house viewing with DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team. Staff are happy to see him. DCM workers Bjay and Sonny are stationed outside in DCM’s courtyard. Everyone’s name is recorded at the front door, giving DCM’s staff an opportunity to ask what has brought that person to DCM today so the team can point them in the right direction. Hazel, a Te Pae Manaaki Tangata team member, also shares that having staff in the courtyard can help “Put out a few fires before they’ve even sparked.” DCM often uses the phrase ‘most marginalised’ when referring to the people engaged with its services. But what does that mean? According to DCM’s data and evidence: The most marginalised will have experienced some form of homelessness over the past year (56%), with many going without shelter altogether (21%). The most marginalised are usually Māori (52%), and they are usually men (73%) aged 35 and over. The most marginalised have sometimes been abused while in care or within their family homes. The most marginalised often have serious and undiagnosed mental health conditions. The most marginalised often have a number of existing, untreated health conditions. The most marginalised often have chronic alcohol and drug dependencies. The most marginalised often have criminal convictions. Sometimes, the most marginalised can be challenging to deal with. Some may have hearing loss, learning difficulties, head injuries, and anger management issues. Some may be perpetrators – or victims – of domestic abuse. Some may be walking around in pain from injuries or dental decay. DCM also knows that the most marginalised are usually excluded from society and services we take for granted. Sometimes, DCM is the only place these people can come, having been trespassed from other services. And women feature, too. Natalia Cleland, the Kaiarataki (leader) with oversight of the Te Pae Manaaki Tangata service, adds, “It is important to note that while women don’t feature highly in rough sleeping data, we know from experience that they will often be in precarious and unsafe living situations, vulnerable to predatory and exploitative relationships.” Ngaire on the front desk working through the long list of whānau in need of support. To work with the most marginalised, Te Pae Manaaki Tangata provides expertise through DCM’s own team of kaimahi and AOD counsellors while also welcoming visiting practitioners such as nurses from Te Aro Health Centre and volunteer dentists who staff DCM’s emergency dental service. It doesn’t take long for DCM’s waiting room to fill up with people. Mata from MSD has a waitlist, which gets longer and longer. One man is desperate to have a conversation about his temporary accommodation to see if he can be brought up a bit higher on the social housing waitlist for a permanent place. Having Mata at Te Pae Manaaki Tangata today is incredibly helpful – this level of accessibility with MSD can be game-changing for marginalised people. Mata from MSD will be available all day to work through whatever issues DCM’s whānau face. DCM believes in Housing First, a “Whatever it takes” approach that focusses on quickly moving people from homelessness into permanent housing – and then providing wrap-around support. DCM leads this government-backed initiative in Wellington, which is designed for people who have been sleeping rough for at least 12 months, who have high or complex support needs and who need intensive, ongoing support to help them stay housed. These are often exactly the people who come to Te Pae Manaaki Tangata. By ensuring marginalised people feel welcome here, DCM is never short of referrals to the Housing First service. Someone becomes a bit disruptive due to their drug use this morning. Ngaire feels for her – she had been sober for months while waiting on an opportunity to get housed but has started using drugs again. She is incredibly insightful, kind, and thoughtful when sober, but she has burnt some bridges over the years. She just needs another chance. It is helpful having Te Aro Health with the team today, and nurses Bronwyn and Rebecca soon have a long list of people waiting to see them, too. Bronwyn (left) is a nurse practitioner and the clinic lead from Te Aro Health Centre, who runs satellite clinics at DCM. While Te Pae Manaaki Tangata can sometimes feel like an emergency department filled with people experiencing crises, DCM also focusses on meaningful activities. Not everyone is here today seeking support on a specific issue. Some are just here for a chat, a coffee, some kai, and maybe a game of Jenga. Word games are very popular, and the team has photocopied today’s newspaper for whānau to fill out the crossword. DCM knows from experience that while whānau may face major obstacles in their lives, such as addictions, mental health issues, and homelessness – sometimes all at once – for many, loneliness and social isolation are familiar themes, too. Loneliness and social isolation are something that DCM workers really help people work through – the whānau tell the team that they feel welcome and safe here. DCM’s Jaimie takes part in a Jenga game with whānau. While a game of Jenga takes place, a man approaches one of DCM’s kaiāwhina (peer support workers) to show him his broken tooth. DCM’s kaiāwhina often have their own lived experiences of homelessness, which makes conversing with whānau easier. Asked to describe his level of pain, he rates it as “a 7 out of 10”. There is no dental session today, but in collaboration with his key worker, DCM may be able to hustle him in for an appointment another day. This man has a lot going on in his life – including trying to manage at least a couple of sober days per week, if possible – so getting along to appointments can be tricky. This shows both the challenges and opportunities at Te Pae Manaaki Tangata. Manaakitanga is one of DCM’s core values: “We value people above all things. Through respect, kindness and hospitality, we uplift the mana of ourselves and all those we engage with.” Because marginalised people feel so welcome at DCM, the team can help them with the practical support they need, often picking up underlying issues over a cup of coffee or during a game of Jenga. Te Pae Manaaki Tangata closes at midday, and whānau disperse. 75 people have come through the service today – “Fairly typical numbers,” Natalia says. The team gathers for a debrief to discuss how things were handled today, what could be done differently, and what successes can be celebrated. When Kaiārahi (Team Leader) Rowan McCardle is asked about what makes Te Pae Manaaki Tangata special, she says, “This is a service and a space where anybody and everybody is treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We get to see the best of people and are honoured to be one part of people’s wellbeing journey.” Te Pae Manaaki Tangata ensures whānau are connected to the supports they need. This service encompasses all of DCM’s frontline and hauora services, such as our emergency dental service and Te Awatea, our harm reduction programme, along with DCM’s Foodbank, Money Management service, and Te Hāpai, a welcoming, safe space for people who are rough sleeping. This service is not funded by central or local government grants but by our generous donors. Thanks to you, we can be responsive to the ever-changing needs of our whānau. If this is something you would like to support at the end of this tax year, below are some ways to contribute. Ngā manaakitanga! Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 19 Feb 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Stephen’s story - his journey from Christchurch, through the challenges of his youth, to a career supporting the most marginalised communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Ngā mihi nui! We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Ngā Kōrero survey last month. It was so uplifting to hear your feedback. One suggestion was to share a mix of short and longer stories. We will share shorter stories at the beginning of our Ngā Kōrero updates. (But don’t miss our longer story this month, which is all about our Manahautū, Stephen.) You will also find regular updates from DCM on our socials. Follow the links below. DCM’s new digs Aro Mai Housing First in the Hutt For the past few years, DCM has had an Aro Mai Housing First team based at Tākiri Mai Te Ata, in Kōkiri. Our team have been delivering services in support of the most marginalised in the Hutt, such as Michelle, whose story we shared last year. Our team now has their own digs on Market Grove, and we've also welcomed a new kaiārahi (team leader), Larissa. Watch the clip below for a quick tour and kōrero, which concludes with waiata from some of DCM’s Pasifika kaimahi. We look forward to sharing more about our work in the Hutt soon. Stephen’s story For the past three years, Stephen Turnock, of Ngāi Tahu descent, has been DCM’s Manahautū (Director). Stephen is DCM’s first Māori director and brings his own experiences of systemic racism and homelessness with him. Stephen considers it a privilege to work at DCM, where he has taken us on a journey of transformational change, helping us gain clarity around our vision for communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued, and thriving while ensuring we have both the infrastructure and team capabilities to bring that vision to life. Here, Stephen shares the taonga that is his story with us – his journey from Christchurch, through the challenges of his youth, to a career supporting the most marginalised. Young Stephen on the ferry from Christchurch to Wellington. “I am Christchurch born and bred,” Stephen shares. “I was adopted out at birth. I always had an aunty – but I didn’t know she was my biological mother until I was about 20. So, I grew up as the middle of two boys in a traditional South Island Pākehā family where rugby was our foundation. My adopted father was a very hard-working man in the Christchurch wool stores. My mother was also hard-working and was our primary source of emotional support and love, but unfortunately, violence was an aspect of our upbringing – with the odd visit to A&E.” But Stephen is quick to add, “I have huge loyalty to my mother and my father – they raised me as parents, and while there are things that I wish could have been different, at the end of the day they fed me, they clothed me, they loved me – they were my parents. “We were never well off, always struggling, but generally, it was an uneventful childhood. Then, probably at the age of eight, we packed up in the caravan and just travelled New Zealand for about two years. They are the most positive and happy memories I have as a child.” Seven-year-old Stephen on the road with his whānau. At primary school, Stephen had his first encounters with racism. “I would’ve been about 10 or 11 when it became apparent that I was a Māori in a Pākehā family,” Stephen says. “Kids would say things like, ‘Why are you brown when your brother’s white?’ I never considered myself different – but outside influences made me more aware of it.” Stephen describes how the racism ramped up when he went to college. “I think there were three Māori in a high school of 1,200,” he says. “I was often called a n– to my face.” With abuse at school, violence at home, and undiagnosed learning difficulties, Stephen came to understand the concept of fight or flight. “I started running away from home and gravitating to people experiencing similar situations. As you’re introduced to alcohol and drugs, it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s the same story we’ve heard for generations and particularly experienced by Maori.” From 13-16 years of age, Stephen was often away from home and rough sleeping – “Doing some pretty serious stuff with some pretty serious people.” One night, Stephen found himself part of a group out late at night, up to no good. “Someone must have rung the Police, and they ended up chasing us. I remember spending the next three hours lying face flat on this little roof in the pouring rain as they searched for us. I did some soul searching during this time, and I decided that was it – this is not the life for me.” Stephen’s decision to change his lifestyle resulted in him losing his entire group of friends but he was fortunate that he was able to return home and started working for his father in the wool stores. “It was hard labour,” Stephen shares. “Wool looks quite fluffy and white – but at first, it’s horrible, full of thorns and grease. Your arms would be all blistered, and you’d stink. Many of the people who worked there were hardcore – alcoholics – all sorts. I started to learn the importance of getting on with others and being aware of the art of negotiation.” Along with work, rugby became an important part of Stephen’s life at this time, empowering him to build a more positive social network. He became the youngest player to make his club Colts team, later moving to Sydney to try to make it big in rugby league. “I was terribly homesick,” Stephen shares. “Being in a big city by yourself is hard, and looking back, I realise the value of whānau and social support systems. Although, I sometimes wish I could have stuck it out because I’m pretty adamant I could have broken my way into the NRL.” Stephen’s rugby days, aged 20. Stephen is reflective about this period of his life. “I guess one of the things I learned was that no matter how you feel or how bad things are, they do get better. Things heal over time – and you learn to move forward. The key is who we surround ourselves with and finding that light to aspire towards.” Stephen moved to Queenstown, where he worked as a hotel porter. “I absolutely loved it. But racism popped up again. One of my jobs as a porter was to write welcome messages and one day, I wrote ‘Kia ora’ and got told off for it. This was in the late 90s/early 2000s – and on reflection, I’m extremely proud of how far we have come since then. But the impact it had on me and my generation was significant – because you’re reminded that you and your culture is not a good thing, and I remember that being very evident at the time.” Stephen took up rugby again, and one day, out of the blue, his coach said, “I work at this place called Kingslea. They are looking for some casual workers, and I think you’d be really good.” Kingslea was a residential home for children aged 7 to 17 with youth justice-related issues. It was a place where Stephen himself had ended up as a young teenager. “My first days at Kingslea remind me how our new staff may feel, standing in DCM’s courtyard, surrounded by heightened emotions, dysfunctional behaviours, and feeling like a fish out of water. After some time and confidence-building, I decided this job was for me. I ended up being there for about eight years.” Stephen worked as a residential social worker and was supported to get his tertiary qualification while on the job. “I guess I had a natural empathy from my lived experiences. I knew the tricks of the trade and learned the importance of teamwork and great communication.” Studies also opened Stephen’s eyes to issues such as systemic institutional racism and the link between colonisation and poor outcomes for Māori. Stephen has been DCM’s Manahautū (Director) for the past three years. Photo by John Tavoi. At about 26 or 27, Stephen started to experience significant depression, which led to some job changes that – each in their own way – enriched his working life. “I was a probation officer at Corrections. I spent two years there, and again, I enjoyed it. I learned a lot about cycles of change, self-talk, how to shift negative thoughts, and how to work in high-risk situations.” A new relationship led to a move to Wellington, where Stephen got a job with Te Roopu Awhina in Cannons Creek. “I had built my awareness of my culture and the impacts of colonisation and low economic outcomes through my studies, but I had not seen the level of deprivation I saw when I arrived in Porirua. On the flip side, I had never experienced the level of cultural diversity, pride and inclusion. I really felt the beauty of Māoridom and also the Pasifika migration to Porirua. It filled my basket of knowledge and understanding of communities and culture.” Another role Stephen had was working for Maritime Radio. “We were the 111 service of the sea. I learned a lot and developed my skills in dealing with stressful situations – remaining calm for the benefit of the other person on the line.” Stephen eventually moved into a management role at Porirua Whānau Centre, overseeing a team of social workers, counsellors, a youth team and a family violence prevention group. In addition, he managed the social housing portfolio, providing sustainable housing for whānau in the Porirua region. “I learned to see the bigger picture and think about strategy – you do this, and it will impact that – it becomes a sort of natural progression.” Stephen brought all his life experiences and skills to DCM, joining the team as Manahautū (Director) in late 2020, taking over from Stephanie McIntyre, who led DCM for 17 years. Soon after joining DCM, Stephen also got married – to Tam – in February 2021, pictured here on their honeymoon in the Bay of Islands. “I was very interested in homelessness and housing – but it’s not until you come to DCM that you get a pretty heavy thud of reality about what homelessness really looks like. Fortunately, we have an amazing team to deliver our services. I’m a big believer that how you treat people has a big say on your success as an organisation. People need to feel valued – like they’re a part of something. If you want the absolute best for your organisation and the best for the people you’re working with, you need to treat your staff like they are the most valuable asset. “I ask, ‘What can I do for you so you can do what you need to do?’ I’ve learnt that this also needs to be accompanied by clarity – a shared understanding or shared motivation around what success looks like to DCM and the whānau we support. “As a leader, I believe strongly in turning up as my best self. I try to do this by role-modelling our values and being my authentic self. Although I will admit that I can get that wrong at times, I’m also willing to be vulnerable and take responsibility for this. I believe an effective organisation starts from a foundation of trust. Trust in me, trust in each other, and trust in the steps we are all taking to reach our vision.” Stephen and Tam with their blended whānau. Looking at his vision for 2024, Stephen wants to see DCM grow our capability as an organisation so that we can continue to provide our services, but more effectively, with ever more significant impacts. “I want to see our organisational capability grow, but also the capability of our leadership team. Over the years I learnt the differences between management and leadership. You need both skills in an organisation. Whereas management is about managing people day-to-day, leadership is about taking people on a journey with you to a destination. “And the end result of our journey as DCM is not only to see our people housed – but also to see them connected, valued, and thriving in their communities.” We mihi to Stephen for his courage and vulnerability in sharing his story with us. Please forward it on and encourage your friends and whānau to subscribe for our Ngā Kōrero updates. Support DCM Copyright © 2024 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 17 Jan 2024
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Te reo o te tangata – sharing the voice of our people in 2023 communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Te reo o te tangata – sharing the voice of our people in 2023 Ngā mihi o te tau hou from the team at DCM. It is good to look back before you look forward – and we are proud of the mahi we undertook last year as we gave our people a voice throughout 2023. At the start of the year, we expressed our concern about the rising cost of living and the ongoing housing crisis – and wondered how we would continue to support our people amid these significant challenges. But we were also excited by the prospect of two opportunities to give our whānau a voice in a major way – the March census and the October general election. We ensured these opportunities were accessible for our people, including having census workers and a polling booth right here at DCM, and it was exciting to see our whānau step up and make sure their voices were heard, and votes counted, in 2023. Stephen (centre) leads waiata in Te Aro Park as part of Neighbours Month, March 2023. DCM’s Manahautū (Director) Stephen Turnock, reflecting in our Annual Report, shared that 2023 presented a range of challenges for both whānau and communities across New Zealand. “However, it is the Loafers Lodge fire that will remain firmly in our hearts and minds as a senseless loss of life that could have been avoided. It is a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can result from poor housing conditions, legislation, regulation, and sector acceptance. “This tragedy and the premature deaths of many other whānau we have supported during the year highlight the ongoing health, social, and economic inequities experienced by the most vulnerable and the long pathway we have ahead of us to establish communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued, and thriving.” Despite the challenges we faced, there was always hope – and always in the voice of our people. Do you have a favourite DCM story from 2023? At the end of this email, we invite you to participate in a short survey. February – solving problems with Fahimeh In February, we shared the story of Fahimeh McGregor, who escaped the Iran Revolution, and, following her passion for study, made it to Malaysia and then New Zealand, where she soon turned her attention to giving back. Fahimeh has been solving the challenges of DCM’s processes and systems. “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.” You can read Fahimeh’s story here (link opens a PDF). March – Keri’s story and Census Week at DCM In March, we shared the story of Keri, who 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. 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 several years ago – and is now independent and thriving in his own whare. We invite you to look back on his story here. In March, we also shared the story of Census Week at DCM, during which 70 whānau were assisted to have their voices heard. We were blown away by the Stats NZ workers who joined us for a week to make the process as effortless as possible for our people. Read all about it here. April – Neighbours Month and the Noho Pai team In April, we shared how DCM took part in Neighbours Aotearoa throughout the month of March with waiata in Te Aro Park – and how a chess tournament easily became a highlight of our year. We also went on the road with DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) Team, whose demanding and time-consuming mahi involves supporting whānau to sustain their tenancies. But 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. We were so inspired by the Noho Pai Team, who do everything they can to support this most vulnerable group of people. We invite you to have another read of the story here (link opens a PDF). May – Aro Mai Housing First in the Hutt and Michelle’s story In May, we shared the story of DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First Team based in the Hutt. This team has new digs, which we look forward to showing you soon. We also shared the story of Michelle, who came to the attention of concerned Hutt residents after sleeping in a bus stop. Our persistent Aro Mai team kept meeting with Michelle until she was able to overcome some significant obstacles and access housing. Michelle is still housed in her whare by the beach, and you can look back on her story here. June – Te Rahi o DCM and Whaea Jenny In June, we shared our new film clip – Te Rahi o DCM – as we heard from our Manahautū Stephen, other members of the DCM team, and whānau like Hapi and Smurf, who shared some of their story. We got to see our carving group in action and other cultural activities such as our daily waiata. Amidst the activities, we also saw DCM’s Whaea Jenny, whose role as Toa is to support the development and implementation of DCM’s Te Ao Māori strategic approach. Whaea Jenny supports, mentors, and role models the organisation’s kaupapa Māori competency programme to strengthen our cultural capacity and capability. She is a champion of our kaupapa. You can read Jenny's inspiring story – in her own words – here. July – Reaching out with the Mayor In July, our guest writer, Lee-Anne Duncan, shared the story of Mayor Tory Whanau joining DCM’s Outreach Team to connect with people sleeping rough on Wellington’s streets. We loved getting to know our mayor – and going on outreach with our team brought new insights to Tory. “It’s been great to be here and see the notification process in action, and then to see the heart Rowan and Clifton have when they approach people in response. That’s how they deserve to be treated. I was already a big supporter of DCM but being out here today has taken it to the next level. “Seeing what’s happening here, and meeting the people, hearing the stories, it brings it home to me even more. If more Wellingtonians could experience what the Outreach Team sees each day, they would have a greater understanding of homelessness, and how we must protect our most vulnerable.” Read the full story here. August – Hauora services at DCM In August, we explored hauora, the Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing unique to Aotearoa, and the various ways DCM offers hauora services, transforming lives each and every day. We looked at whānau (defined as support networks), tinana (physical health and functioning), hinengaro (psychological and emotional wellbeing), wairua (beliefs regarding connectedness and spirituality), taio (the physical environment), and iwi katoa (services and systems that provide support within the hauora environment). DCM has tangible ways to support each of these concepts – but this was a challenging story to bring together! Have another read of it here. September – Adam’s story In September, we invited you to walk a mile in Adam’s shoes. The road that leads to someone experiencing homelessness can be long and winding – the result of a complex set of circumstances. But for others, it can be sudden, unexpected, and very scary. For Adam, who is working with DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) Team, homelessness started with an assault which Adam says “Was the catalyst for a really big bump in the road, which lasted over a decade”. You can read his amazing story here. (Some of you reached out to offer financial assistance so Adam could travel down to Christchurch to see his whānau for Christmas. Adam and his brother were able to do that thanks to your support.) October – Ensuring the most marginalised have a voice at the General Election In October, DCM launched a new fundraiser – the Walk a Mile Challenge – on 10 October (World Homeless Day). We also shared the story of election week at DCM, where we had a polling booth, just as we did in 2020. In the lead-up to this year’s election, we started the process of checking people’s enrolment details, quickly finding that many had fallen off the electoral roll due to a change of address or having no fixed abode. We were able to take whānau through the enrolment process by sitting alongside them – often using DCM as their address – ensuring that filling out forms and providing personal details wasn’t a barrier. This year, DCM’s Ailish popped on the Electoral Commission’s orange vest to work as a Voter Assistant, ensuring our people had a familiar face when it came time to cast their vote. Our people stood up to have their say again, and you can read all about it here. November – Aro Mai Housing First in Wellington In November, we went on the road with the Aro Mai Housing First Team, based in Wellington. We joined Liz, who assisted Anthony into a place, and Shaun, our Kaiārahi Whiwhinga, whose job it is to meet with people like Anthony – to find out what their needs are, and based on that information, go out and search for a permanent home of their own. We spoke to a private landlord and talked to some of our other staff, including John, Portia and Barrie – the kaiārataki (leader) of DCM’s Piki te Kaha Pou, which encompasses Aro Mai Housing First and Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies). Read the full story of the incredible work undertaken by DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team (link opens a PDF). December – Lives and smiles transformed at the DCM Dental Service Finally, in December, we shared the story of DCM’s emergency dental service, which has been operating since March 2016. Our dental service is the only one of its kind outside of hospital emergency departments in New Zealand. Over 800 individuals have had their lives and smiles transformed thanks to the expertise of DCM’s volunteer dentists, led by Dr. Sophie McKenna, our lead dentist. In 2023, we began creating dental impressions (diagnostic models or moulds) on-site at DCM and fitting whānau with partial plates – often of upper teeth. We were excited to share before and after photos of our whānau. Have a look at them again, and read our story here. 2024 We begin 2024 hopeful that the great progress made to tackle the housing crisis will continue, knowing that DCM will be there to support the most marginalised of our city, no matter what – just as we have done over the past 55 years. This year, we look forward to celebrating Neighbours Month in March, and Matariki will be another important date on our calendar. But most of all, we look forward to sharing the stories of our people, giving them a voice, and lifting up their mana. We hope you will feel similarly uplifted as you read them. Ngā mihi maioha You can help us by completing a short survey about our Ngā Kōrero updates. We all regularly get asked to fill out surveys – so if you can assist with ours, please know it means a lot! And thank you to those who get back to us in between times. Click here for our Ngā Kōrero Survey Support DCM Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 8 Dec 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Lives and smiles transformed at the DCM Dental Service communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Lives and smiles transformed at the DCM Dental Service DCM’s emergency dental service has been operating since March 2016 – and is the only dental service of its kind outside of hospital emergency departments in New Zealand. Over 800 individuals have had their lives and smiles transformed thanks to the expertise of DCM’s volunteer dentists, led by Dr. Sophie McKenna, our lead dentist. Volunteer dentist Dr. Sophie McKenna leads DCM’s Dental Service. (Source: 1News.) Sophie’s father was a dentist, and she worked with him as a dental assistant during the school holidays. By the age of 17, she had decided that dentistry was a good path for her. Marrying Andrew, a fellow dentist, and working in different practices in the Wellington area, the two were able to share work and parenting responsibilities. Sophie first heard about DCM at a New Zealand Dental Association branch meeting, putting her name forward as a volunteer. “DCM was a surprise to me,” says Sophie. “I didn’t expect to receive so much pleasure from helping the whānau with their dental care. “When I first began volunteering, our son was dealing with significant health challenges, and I was at a low point. To come into DCM and see good people working hard to improve themselves from their very low points, with the support of DCM staff, was humbling and put my own woes into perspective.” Sophie explains that many of the people coming to DCM’s Dental Service need fillings, periodontal work, and extractions. “They often come to us with broken and missing teeth. When you are experiencing homelessness, living from crisis to crisis, oral health care may fall lower on the priority list, especially due to the expense. “But the big key to DCM’s success is not that treatment is free – but that DCM makes marginalised people feel so welcome when they come here. They don’t feel judged – and that includes when they sit in our dental chair.” Sophie treats Ngata during an emergency dental session at DCM. (Source: 1News.) “I’ll say, ‘what’s the most important thing that I can help you with today?’ And they look astonished,” says Sophie. “They are normally told to lie back, open up, and then a health professional gives them a carefully worded lecture about what isn’t being done, how disastrous things are. “And that’s not we’re here for. We’re here to make them feel better.” We know that poor oral health has been linked to gingivitis, oral infection, heart disease and strokes. But additionally, aesthetic issues can affect your ability to eat and speak – with a huge cost to your self-esteem. DCM Manahautū (Director) Stephen Turnock says that most of the people DCM works with have missing or decayed teeth, and the feelings of shame around this can take a toll. “When someone is continually looking at the ground, and not wanting to smile or feeling whakamā, then that creates more barriers.” This is why in 2023, we have begun creating dental impressions (diagnostic models or moulds) on-site at DCM and fitting whānau with partial plates – often of upper teeth. Sophie has been joined in this initiative by her husband, Andrew, who is no longer able to practice dentistry on his own due to an injury. Still wanting to support DCM, Andrew is able to assist Sophie in various ways. Sophie shares how life-changing their work has already been. Toko before and after. Toko was someone with missing incisors – the most visible teeth in the upper mouth. Sophie and Andrew created a mould and fitted him with replacement teeth. “Toko was exceptionally happy with the partial plate, and his ‘after’ smile filled the room!” says Sophie. Another person whose smile has been transformed is Lisa. Lisa has experienced homelessness, including rough sleeping, before she was housed through DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First service. From there, she was able to focus on her wellbeing, including her oral healthcare. Lisa before and after. Sophie had to encourage Lisa to do a ‘before’ photo while smiling so we could compare the results. “Now she can’t stop smiling!” Sophie says. When DCM first met Simon, he had little to smile about. DCM Outreach workers Ngaire and Hazel approached him on the street in Kilbirnie, where he says he was at his lowest ebb. “DCM saved my life, literally” Simon explains. “If there’s a God, it was great timing on all fronts.” Simon also survived the Loafers Lodge fire. On the tragic night, he knocked on people’s doors, urging them to evacuate, while managing to escape with his phone and wallet, and the clothes on his back. After a move into transitional housing, Simon was able to concentrate on other pressing matters, including agonising dental pain. He popped into DCM one day, and met Ali Janes, who coordinates our dental clinic. Ali got Simon in to see Sophie and Andrew, who extracted the problem teeth. “You could really see the difference it had made for him, which was awesome,” says Ali. “He left pain free and basically floated out of here!” Simon was left with very few teeth, but Sophie and Andrew supported him through the life-changing process of getting a full denture. “I’m still learning to smile properly, which is something I haven’t done for a long time,” Simon explains. “But – I can almost look in the mirror again. “When I needed DCM the most, you guys have always been there. Now I’m trying to pay it forward.” Simon popped into DCM to show us his new smile. DCM’s new initiative creating replacement teeth for whānau has been supported by a $5,000 community grant from the New Zealand Dental Association. “My vision for DCM’s Dental Service is that we are able to expand our services a little,” says Sophie. “Ideally, we would like to offer more opportunities to replace teeth that have previously been extracted, as we’ve been doing with the grant this year. “Currently, relief of pain is great, but what can we do to support our lovely people and lift them up even more? It is obvious from the beaming smiles of Toko, Lisa and others that restoring their smile boosts their sense of worth. Society inadvertently judges those with missing teeth. “When someone’s smile is restored and they feel and look good, they project a confidence and positivity that is difficult to measure. It is infused in their posture, their willingness to engage with others – and we see that their approach to issues that challenge them is altered for the better. “It’s a no-brainer to try to help with this more.” We mihi to Sophie and Andrew McKenna for their passion and professional expertise as they help to transform the lives and smiles of our whānau. Can you help support DCM’s Dental Service this Christmas? DCM is grateful to all those dentists who, like Sophie and Andrew, give their time to allow us to provide emergency dental care to the most marginalised people in Wellington. We would also like to thank the NZDA for their community grant, the St. John’s in the City Carter Fund for a grant toward a new dental chair for our service, and the Bowen Hospital Trust for their on-going support. But DCM’s Dental Service is primarily funded by YOU, the people of Wellington. If you would like to support the most marginalised people in our city – like Toko, Lisa, and Simon this Christmas – please click below and consider donating toward our appeal. Or, if you know a dentist or dental assistant who would like to learn more about working at the DCM Dental Service, we would love to hear from them! Support DCM's Dental Service Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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 Special - BIG THANK YOUS Concert this Sunday
- 21 Nov 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero Special - BIG THANK YOUS Concert this Sunday Several great musical acts are coming together to help end homelessness in support of DCM's Walk a Mile Fundraiser communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Concert in support of DCM’s Walk a Mile Fundraiser The official conclusion of our Walk a Mile Challenge fundraiser is the BIG THANK YOUS concert at San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, this Sunday 26 November, 5-9pm. And we have some sensational entertainment for you! Laura Collins and the Back Porch Blues Band are masterful entertainers, moving seamlessly between ballsy blues and soulful ballads. Seamus Johnson delivers blistering vocals and guitar chops: you will think you’re listening to a whole band. Dr. Blue is a must-see for all-out entertaining roots. Beans performs beautifully written folk songs. Two Times is a band that will keep your toes tapping. Tickets are just $20 each, an absolute steal but we wanted to make it affordable for everyone. Get yours right here, right now! Click below... Big Thank Yous Tickets There will also be a charity art auction run by Dunbar Sloane, including art works by DCM’s own whānau, like Hapi and Jason! The line-up Laura Collins and the Back Porch Blues Band are dynamic, masterful and all about entertainment. Laura, with high energy and vocal strength, moves between ballsy blues and soulful ballads. She gives her band license to shine and shine they do; Wayne Mason, master of boogie ‘burning it up’ on the keys, John O’Connor ‘eating it up’ on lead guitar, George Barris on warm upright bass and Pete Cogswell on back porch drums ‘putting the car in drive’. Seamus Johnson has been described as a one man musical sensation. With blistering vocals and guitar chops you will think you’re listening to a whole band. Fresh back from touring with Sea Mouse, Seamus is here to bring some authentic old school blues! Beans is a recent addition to the Wellington folk scene, importing a wild array of original songs all the way from deepest, darkest Yorkshire. They gained international acclaim in 2021 as a finalist in the Liverpool International Song Contest and have since performed across Australia and Aotearoa. Embodying the classic singer-songwriter formula, Beans’ live shows are rich with humour, honesty and interesting word choices. Expect to feel things. Mike ‘Dr. Blue’ Mckeon is an international award winning multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and poet. ‘With a unique brand of early blues’ (Blues in Britain Magazine), ‘Mesmerizing’ (Broadway Baby), ‘A sensation’ (Otago Daily Times). STOP PRESS – Dr. Blue will be joined by Vicky Weeds, a singer, cellist, and burlesque darling from Pōneke. She has been performing around Aotearoa since 2011 and in 2019 won the Wellington Alternative Performing Arts Award for favourite cabaret performance. Two Times is a toe-tapping covers band regularly entertaining audiences around the Wellington region. Expect to groove to all your favourite hits. Not only will Beans perform for us, but they have also been walking a mile in support of DCM! Here's a song Beans wrote while out and about... A Mile in These Shoes by Beans DCM is truly grateful to all those people who have been walking a mile a day in support of our mahi to create communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving. For many years, DCM held an annual Bookfair, and ever since we have been hoping to find a new fundraiser that connects in a meaningful way with the work we do with the most marginalised people in our city. The Walk a Mile Challenge and BIG THANKS YOUS Concert provide an opportunity for us to come together as a community to support DCM, and raise the pūtea we need to keep our essential services running. We look forward to connecting with you on Sunday. Can’t make it? Please forward this to anyone you know who may like to come along. Or, if you'd like to support one of the individuals or teams walking a mile in support of DCM, click here. Big Thank Yous Tickets Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 14 Nov 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero – Latest Stories from DCM Aro Mai Housing First – working together to end homelessness in Wellington communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Aro Mai Housing First – working together to end homelessness in Wellington Today we share the story of DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First service. This service sits alongside DCM’s other programmes aimed at ending homelessness, such as Toru Atu (Outreach), and Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies). Aro Mai works in unison with them and other programmes at DCM and is itself a collaboration with Emerge Aotearoa, Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust, and Tākiri Mai Te Ata. At the heart of Aro Mai Housing First are the people. To get referred to Aro Mai, you will need to have experienced rough sleeping for at least a year; and you will have multiple and complex needs, likely including addictions and mental health challenges. The Housing First approach means that you’ll be moved swiftly into appropriate housing, with support wrapped around you by DCM’s team. In theory, this means that people at the sharpest end of the homelessness spectrum shouldn’t have to sit on social housing waiting lists; they shouldn’t have to flounder in unsuitable emergency housing or have to earn a place of their own through transitional housing. It’s in the name – Housing First. In practice, the reality is that amid New Zealand’s ongoing housing crisis, there just aren’t enough options available for people experiencing homelessness. They are at the bottom rung of the housing ladder, having been regulated to second-class citizenship all their lives. Fortunately, DCM has a long track record of breaking down barriers for the most marginalised. Thanks to the support of many people in the community, we can and do find permanent homes for our people – so that they can be housed, connected, valued, and thriving. Porirua – where DCM has met a number of people sleeping rough. Liz Liz has arranged to meet Anthony on a street corner in Porirua. Today, she is going to drive him into Wellington to sign up for a tenancy in an old motor inn that has been transformed by Emerge Aotearoa into transitional housing. Anthony has stayed in transitional housing before – but didn’t cope well with the lack of privacy and intrusions into his space. Emerge do things differently – and at the motor inn, he will have his own room, bathroom, and cooking facilities, with round-the-clock security at the front door. For the last several months, Anthony has been sleeping rough, including under a bridge. He says that he’s been homeless on and off for 10 years, living for a while in a tent. DCM’s Outreach team first connected with him many years ago – and he is well-known to other services in Wellington. Anthony signs documents with Emerge so he can move into his new room. At the motor inn, Anthony signs several documents and is given a swipe card and key – the place is his now. But he wants to go back to Porirua where all his stuff is stashed – and he makes plans to come back to the motor inn next week. Liz drives him back to Porirua but along the way, Anthony has a change of heart. If he can get some food, maybe he can use the new air fryer Emerge has provided, and cook himself a meal. His eyes have lit up, and it’s the clincher Liz needs. After a quick run around the supermarket for the basics – white bread, milk, sausages, eggs – Anthony just needs to get his stuff and it’s back to Wellington. But under the bridge, Anthony’s stuff is gone. It’s possible that his things have been missing for a while – and Liz will come back to check – but for now, it’s already 4pm on a Friday, and it’s time for Anthony to enjoy his new place. In particular, he’s looking forward to having a long shower. Liz with Anthony in his new room, where he can stay for at least the next 90 days. On the drive back, Anthony is reflective. “It will be good to have a stable first point,” he says, thinking ahead. “Maybe I can cook a meal on Christmas Day.” Back at DCM, Liz is not satisfied. She looks around for spare clothes, finds some basics, and heads back to the motor inn. Anthony has arrived with only the clothes on his back. Shaun Shaun is DCM’s Kaiārahi Whiwhinga – housing procurement specialist. It’s his job to meet with people like Anthony – to find out what their needs are, and based on that information, go out and search for a permanent home of their own. “We ask them quite simple questions about where they want to live,” says Shaun. “Then we ask a few more questions to try and refine that. We get all their housing needs in that assessment and then we use that information to procure properties through the private market or Kāinga Ora.” Liz has a chat with Shaun about one of the people on her caseload. Shaun shares that support of Kāinga Ora has increased, with 15 whānau successfully housed in Kāinga Ora properties over the last six months. But a key focus continues to be on the private market. Shaun utilises online listing websites like myRent and TradeMe to search for properties based on the needs of whānau, refined by location, number of bedrooms, and funding limits. “And then it’s almost like cold calling,” Shaun says. “Most of the time they have read your message and they don’t want to hear it. It’s not something we’re interested in, they say. “Sometimes, we get a different response – a feeling that they understand our kaupapa. I’m transparent with the work we do, who we work with, and the risks involved. But there are so many benefits – we’ve got the maintenance and inspections covered by Emerge. The rent is guaranteed, and Housing First landlords are exempt from tax changes to interest deductibility. It’s a win-win.” Shaun explains that insurance has been an issue for Aro Mai in the past – with insurance companies refusing community housing providers. “But now Emerge has worked out an insurance package with Crombie Lockwood. We can now say to landlords, we’ve got you covered. We have a pathway forward.” Shaun hits the phone in search of the next property for Aro Mai. Len Len first read about Aro Mai Housing First in a DCM newsletter when we shared the story of one of our Housing First landlords, Dev. “I thought, gosh, we could do that,” says Len. “I have a small crib in Kakanui – my grandfather put some army huts together there in the 1930s, so it’s more of a family heirloom. But my wife Shirley is totally averse to us owning a crib in a housing crisis. It got me thinking, why am I as somebody who is moderately well off competing with a young couple buying their first house?” Len sat down with Dwell Housing Trust, providing funds for an apartment, while Dwell worked out an arrangement with DCM to provide the property for the Housing First programme. A young man who has been homeless for many years is now supported by DCM to thrive in the home while he deals with significant health issues. The unit is ideal as it has a front door ramp, wide access door frames, and a wet bathroom. Len Cook is a former Statistics New Zealand chief executive and Families Commissioner. He was involved with the Royal Commission on Social Policy in the 1980s and continues to have a passion for a fair society, especially in the justice system. Photo by Gerard O’Brien/Otago Daily Times. “To be honest, for me and Shirley it’s an ideal arrangement because we don’t want to be landlords,” Len says. “I don’t really like the idea of intruding and inspecting on other people’s lives. “Now we’ve raised the Housing First concept to a few friends with some cash and said why don’t you think about this? People are surprised when you tell them about the approach. It’s radical, but it leaves the expertise in the hands of the people that have it. I have one or two friends who rent properties at my age or older and you know, I feel sorry for them!” John John is another kaimahi with Aro Mai Housing First. Like others on the team, he works with approx. 10 people at any given time, supporting them to make the leap from homelessness to permanent housing. Michael is one of the whānau on his caseload. Like many others, he had been staying in emergency housing, and is now in transitional housing while he awaits a permanent place. Michael with his key worker, John. Michael loves his room. “It’s nice and quiet,” he says. “I feel safe here.” For Michael, one of the best things about this place is that no visitors are allowed. He shares that it’s good for him to focus on himself right now. When Michael does get out and about, it’s often to visit DCM, where our Te Pae Manaaki Tangata service connects him to the health and other supports he needs. Often, that might just be a cup of coffee at Te Hāpai. Like many of our whānau, loneliness and social isolation can be an issue once people have moved into a new place. John has worked out a plan to get Michael into a permanent whare in time for Christmas. Michael would like his family to be able to visit him. And he is also working with John on getting a passport so he can travel to Samoa to visit them. Re-connecting with his culture and whānau is important for Michael, and it really helps that John can speak Samoan with him. It especially helps when John takes him along to MSD or doctor’s appointments – sometimes it’s easier explaining things in Michael’s own language. Portia Portia is kaiāwhina – a peer support worker – with DCM. She has been supporting another member of the Aro Mai Housing First team, Alisi, with her caseload, during a period of illness. Today, Portia is off on a home visit to Fiona’s place – a permanent whare provided by Kāinga Ora. Fiona lives up several flights of stairs despite recovering from surgery on her foot. This whare was her choice – as soon as she saw it, she knew it would make the perfect home. “I’ve spent my whole life in the dark,” Fiona says. “But I’ve found my place now.” Portia visits Fiona in her whare. Fiona’s whare has a stunning view over Newtown, and is a far cry from her previous place which Portia explains was literally dark, with gang members coming and going, and rubbish everywhere. Fiona, having been a cleaner for much of her life, would tidy up after everyone. Now, Fiona says, she has found the right place for her. And despite her recent surgery, she is already talking about getting a job, maybe as a cleaner again. She has put up pictures of her ancestors on the walls, and her focus is to ensure the wairua of her whare is well. Barrie Barrie is the kaiārataki (leader) of DCM’s Piki te Kaha Pou, which encompasses Aro Mai Housing First and Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies). Barrie was previously the kaiārahi of the Aro Mai team in the Hutt, so has wide-ranging experience and is used to having an ear close to the ground. “DCM’s vision for our whānau is that they are housed, connected, valued, and thriving – and this sits at the heart of our Aro Mai Housing First service,” Barrie says. “However, amid New Zealand’s ongoing housing crisis, a roof realistically means emergency or transitional housing while our team procures the right property that meets the needs of our whānau. And so, over the last year, DCM has supported 289 people into emergency accommodation, and 81 into transitional housing, with 45 people supported into permanent, long-term, safe, secure homes of their own. “Every one of those 45 whānau has an inspiring story of courage and survival to tell, which makes our work so rewarding.” Jane and Regina (centre front) are kaiārahi of DCM's Aro Mai Housing First service, based in Wellington. Here they are pictured with a handful of the Aro Mai team, clockwise from left: Adriana, Alisi, Daniel, Lotu, Liz, Desirae, Sarah, Cindel, and John. Barrie shares that in the coming year, DCM is looking forward to many new housing options opening up for our people, including 20 units earmarked for Aro Mai Housing First at Te Kī a Alasdair – The Voice of Alasdair. This development has come about thanks to our very special landlords, Maurice and Kaye Clark, in honour and memory of their son Alasdair. Thanks to hard work and relationship-building, Barrie also shares that DCM has now established a working relationship with Kāinga Ora, in which both parties are aware of each other’s needs, requirements and processes. And private landlords still have a role to play. “They have shown us they too can be part of the solution to homelessness,” Barrie says. WORDS/IMAGES: MATTHEW MAWKES. Can you help? Provide a home 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, Shaun. We need staff DCM needs a new kaiārahi (team leader) and a new kaimahi to join our Aro Mai Housing First team in the Hutt. If you know anyone who may like to join our team, please let them know we have some jobs going! Big Thank Yous! On Sunday 26 November, we are holding an event in support of DCM’s Walk a Mile Fundraiser at San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, from 5-9pm. Several great musical acts are coming together to help end homelessness – supporting the work of DCM with those who need it most. And you can help too, by buying tickets to see Laura Collins & the Back Porch Blues Band, one-man musical sensation Seamus Johnson, the one and only Dr. Blue, esoteric folk songwriter Beans, and toe-tapping band Two Times. The Big Thank Yous event also features a charity art auction, with pieces from local and well-known artists, including people who have utilised DCM services. Tickets are only $20 – and you can get them here: Big Thank Yous Tickets Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Election Week at DCM
- 13 Oct 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Election Week at DCM Ensuring the most marginalised have a voice at the General Election. communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Election Week at DCM Ensuring the most marginalised have a voice at the General Election The Electoral Commission team at DCM: Ailish, Te Rangi, Hayden, Allan and Sharon. It is Election Day in Aotearoa. All week, we have had a polling booth right here at DCM to ensure people who are experiencing homelessness can vote and have their voices heard at the General Election. Our desire to have a polling booth at DCM came about after we heard about one of our whānau – with literacy and other significant challenges – walking away from a polling booth in frustration after finding the process too difficult. We knew that we could never let that happen again. And so, after months of preparation alongside the Electoral Commission, 101 whānau voted at DCM in October 2020, many for the very first time in their lives. Peter (left), our first voter in 2020, celebrates after exiting the polling booth; Trevor (right) was among a number of first-time-voting whānau in 2020. Many of these whānau were Māori, like Peter, our first voter in 2020, while some, like Trevor, are no longer with us. Trevor told us that he had never voted before due to various stretches in prison. We were thrilled that he was able to vote at least once in his lifetime. Needless to say, there was never a doubt in our mind that DCM had to be a polling booth again! In the lead-up to the 2023 election, we started the process of checking people’s enrolment details, quickly finding that many had fallen off the electoral roll due to a change of address or having no fixed abode. We were able to take whānau through the enrolment process by sitting alongside them – often using DCM as their address – ensuring that filling out forms and providing personal details wasn’t a barrier. We also facilitated discussions in Te Hāpai and were delighted to have a familiar face from 2020, Erin Marsh, Senior Advisor for Community Engagement with the Electoral Commission, join us for a ‘practice voting’ session. Meda enrols for the election with assistance from Erin. Erin says, “Getting to come in and talk with the whānau before voting started was something I feel was an important part of the process in making sure that everyone felt comfortable, safe and well supported when it came time to actually vote. We got some great questions about what to expect, how to mark the voting paper and what to do if you needed to cast a special vote. As always, the staff at DCM were welcoming and made us feel very much at home.” Another familiar face joining us this year was Te Rangi Waaka – our Voting Place Manager. “There’s been a lot of excitement and a lot of fun yarns and a few jokes here and there,” says Te Rangi. “They keep asking about lollies, so Sharon ended up getting some, and everyone’s been taking one! “It’s lovely to do the opening karakia and waiata. Then you can meet everybody, and they know you when they come in the door. It’s nice to be here at DCM – it’s great to facilitate and help what you guys do.” DCM’s Manahautū (Director) Stephen Turnock with Te Rangi getting ready for another day of voting. Thanks to all of these efforts, voting has been accessible for many at DCM. This included a number of profoundly deaf whānau who were able to vote with assistance from our team. Ailish knows basic sign language and has been completing her social work degree while on placement at DCM. She popped on the Electoral Commission’s orange vest to work as a Voter Assistant this year to ensure our people had another familiar face when it came time to cast their vote. “It’s so important to get our people to vote,” says Ailish. “If it wasn’t set up here, they probably wouldn’t have voted. We’ve had a few people who have lived through many elections but this is their first time voting. Others are very passionate and well informed about what’s going on and who they are going to vote for.” Ailish assists Jeff, one of our deaf community, to vote. It has been insightful talking to our people about what has inspired them to vote this year. Our first voter of the week, Mahir, simply said, “I’m voting because it’s the right thing to do.” Others are concerned about what they perceive as imminent threats to beneficiaries. Patrick told us, “I’m voting for the underprivileged and for the party who will best regulate the drugs and help the homeless folk.” He added his concern about which party is best equipped to work with gangs instead of working against them. Larry told us he was voting for the party he thought best supports New Zealand’s sustainability. And Robert came out of the polling booth, commenting, “That was great! It made me feel like I was a part of something.” Numerous young first-time voters have walked through our door this year. This included Magic who would not have voted without DCM’s polling booth. Being a part of something is our vision for our whānau. We want them to be counted, have their voices heard, and vote. “Democracy only works if voices from every part of society are heard,” says Erin. “And it’s especially important that our marginalised communities get to vote as their voices go unheard in so many other areas.” DCM’s Director Stephen adds, “I think that it’s really important that people utilise opportunities regardless of your situation or your environment, to have your voice heard. Everyone’s voice is important. Everyone should be supported to exercise their democratic right in terms of choosing who it is that they want to represent them and make decisions for them in their lives.” Sia encourages some of our wahine to vote. “A lot of people are disenfranchised by our system,” says Ailish. “Many of our whānau don’t understand that politics can have an impact on them. But when you explain that it’s the politicians who are in charge of the justice system, the tax system, WINZ – which is a lot of their lives – then that starts to change things. “I just wish that the world could be a bit fairer and that everyone could have access to quality housing – because that is not always the case when you have a roof over your head. Sometimes it’s not a sustainable place, it’s not a place where you can thrive, it’s not always a safe place. I feel like a lot of people just want to pretend that homeless people don’t exist. I would like to see them be included in society, and that is what we’re achieving here.” WORDS/IMAGES: MATTHEW MAWKES. Together we can make big strides to end homelessness Our call to action this month is straightforward: VOTE! But there is another thing you can do to support DCM and the people we are working with. You can join our Walk a Mile Challenge, you can also support those who are already walking, and, as always, you can share this update far and wide. Thank you for your support of those in Wellington who need us most. Join the Walk a Mile Challenge Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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 Special - We're launching the Walk a Mile Challenge fundraiser
- 10 Oct 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero Special - We're launching the Walk a Mile Challenge fundraiser Step up and TOGETHER we can end homelessness - here's the details communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Walk a Mile Challenge – step up and together we can end homelessness Today is World Homeless Day. The perfect time to officially launch our Walk a Mile challenge. And we had the perfect weather in Te Aro Park this lunch time. Walk a Mile is a sponsored walk with a difference. We’re asking you to just walk a mile each day for up to 30 days in a pair of old shoes: just everyday distances rather than one big hike. Recruit sponsors and raise funds. You can walk anywhere and anytime that suits, including walking to work, to school, walk the dog, to your favourite lunch spot. And 1 mile is just 800m there and back. Anyone can take part in the Walk a Mile challenge, from school age to pensioner. In fact, companies or schools can also encourage staff or pupils to club together and form teams to support each other’s fundraising. It's is all done through the Givealittle website, so there’s no collecting signatures or cash either. Sign up, step up and walk a mile with us; www.walkamile.org.nz . Why old shoes? A lot of people who have very little, or nothing, get by with old shoes. You don’t have to use old shoes to take part in the Walk a Mile challenge, but it is a good way of showing that you are walking alongside the people who need your help. The graphic image of a pair of old shoes was conceived and produced by one of the people we support. It’s professionally done and it looks great. It’s just one example of how people who have experienced homelessness often have great gifts, talents and experience. We should support them and celebrate the value they can bring to our lives. . Don't forget to sign up, step up, and together we can end homelessness. walkamile.org.nz And please forward this on to anyone you know who may like to take part. . Walk a Mile Challenge Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 11 Sep 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Walk a Mile in My Shoes – Adam’s Story – Taking big strides at DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Walk a Mile in My Shoes – Adam’s Story Today, we invite you to walk a mile in Adam’s shoes. We are inspired by his journey from homelessness to housing and greater wellbeing. We lift him up for sharing his story with us. Ngā manaakitanga, Adam! The road that leads to someone experiencing homelessness can be long and winding – the result of a complex set of circumstances such as poverty, familial breakdown, substance use and mental health difficulties. For some of the people we meet at DCM, it is sadly not always a surprise. They are often men who are Māori, over 40, who have been in institutional care, and victims of abuse. But for others, homelessness can be sudden, unexpected, and very scary. For Adam, who is working with Ava from DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) team, homelessness started with an assault which Adam says “Was the catalyst for a really big bump in the road, which lasted over a decade”. Adam speaks very highly of his family – especially his mum – but he had a rough start, especially since his dad was “a criminal basically”. “He was a car thief,” says Adam, “And that would’ve been quite stressful on mum, me and my brother. One day, he wigged out, and there was a 16-hour stand-off at our house with mum at knifepoint and me and my brother in the cupboard.” Adam’s dad got 25 years, but soon, “Mum being mum thought, ‘Well the kids have gone through a tough time, and I need to do something’, so she got a job, and that’s where she found Dave.” Adam believes that Dave “pretty much saved the family”. “He came in and did a superlative job on me and my brother. I consider us both good guys – we’ve got our scruples and our morals right.” “They were strict, and when I got into trouble, it wasn’t the police I was thinking about – it was mum. ‘Oh my God, I’ve gotta deal with mum!’ I’d come home in various states of inebriation, and one day I went too far and rushed past mum – into the toilet – with her outside shouting, ‘You shouldn’t drink!’ as I answered, ‘Bleugh! Yes, mum!’” Adam’s family moved to Wellington when he was 11 or 12, and when describing what school was like, Adam laughs and admits, “I was evil!” But he quickly corrects himself. “Not evil, that’s the wrong word entirely. I was mischievous, I got up to some stuff. Some of it was peer pressure. Guys would come up to you and say, ‘Look, let’s do this’ – and it would seem like a great idea, especially if you’ve had a few.” Adam describes his teenage years as colourful, with lots of partying. “I had a ball. We had a ball. We had a great time. But friends died along the way.” Adam lost some close friends to car accidents, but despite these tragedies, has many happy memories from his younger days. Still, even as he got older, being told off by mum was no fun, so Adam worked at a veterinary clinic, supermarkets, and $2 shops. Later, he studied journalism. “I enjoyed finding the facts, interviewing people – all that kind of thing. That was where the fun was, and I got quite a good reputation doing it. I’d have people wanting follow-up interviews which journalists don’t usually get – and if they do, they’ve done their job right.” One night, at a party, Adam was assaulted, first by one individual and then by another, who “laid into me”. “And that just started carrying on. I ended up homeless, living in a shed, and my doctor got me into ward 27.” Ward 27 – Te Whare o Matairangi – is Wellington’s 24-hour mental health treatment service for adults who are experiencing serious mental health concerns. Adam had to stay there for a month, after which he got a flat at the old Arlington Apartments. “It was horrible,” Adam says. “I spent a year there, I was depressed, I didn’t know anyone. It was a bad old year.” Adam’s brother moved in with him to the dingy one-bedroom apartment, but wanting a fresh start they were able to move into a shared flat in Porirua with Adam’s old schoolmate. After he moved out, followed some years later by his brother, Adam says, “All the people that were hanging around started beating me up – like hardcore.” “One dude baseball-batted me on the elbow for no reason except I’d put the kettle on and I hadn’t filled it up. I got my jaw broken by one fella. I came down early one morning and turned on the TV, and one dude grabbed a shoe, one of those plimsole shoes, and started beating me round the head with it. It perforated my eardrum. They were just idiots…” Escaping the violence of the communal living situation, Adam ended up at the now-defunct Night Shelter, where he says, “Things started ironing out”. Adam speaks very highly of Don, who used to manage the Night Shelter, and DJ, a DCM staff member who would regularly visit to support the men staying there and to help them look at long-term housing options. “That was the first time someone in a long time had done something for me.” Adam used to visit DCM’s Te Hāpai service regularly, as residents of the Night Shelter would have to leave early in the morning, and he accessed the Foodbank, as well as DCM’s emergency dental service. Like many of our whānau, Adam needed to have a few teeth out and a referral to the Oral Health Department at Wellington Hospital for replacement teeth. Adam was able to get a full upper denture so he could start smiling again. Adam is now permanently housed in a property provided by the Salvation Army – and he loves his place. “The price is good, and I’ve kept it nice. The garden is great, I enjoy getting the fresh air, sometimes watching people coming and going, and you get to see all types of birds. And I’ve got nice neighbours.” It is a struggle for Adam to get by on a benefit, and he would like to work again so he can get through the week and save up so he can visit his family in the South Island. Though Adam never saw his dad again after he went to prison, he remains close with his mum and stepdad. Adam has been working with Tipene, and now Ava, from DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) team. The Sustaining Tenancies mahi involves regular home visits to check that everything is going well in people’s homes, addressing any health concerns, ensuring people can live adequately on their income, and connecting them to their whānau and other supports. Ava says, “Adam’s such a lovely person. But the cost of living has been hard on him. He really wants to see his mum and stepdad in Christchurch, but it’s virtually impossible when you’re on a benefit. I would just love to see him with a job where his talents can shine through. That would be mana-enhancing for him.” Tipene describes how some of the people working with Noho Pai don’t draw out funds when they overpay on power bills – one of the few ways they are able to put money aside. Tipene says, “Adam really enjoys our company. He likes to say, ‘Let’s catch up and go for a coffee’. Just things that are normal in his life – people who treat him normally and ask things like, ‘What would your life look like if it was at its best?’ Having someone who does that can change your outlook on life.” Those conversations are part of the job at DCM as we walk a mile in the shoes of our whānau. Our vision is for communities where they are housed, connected, valued, and thriving. It is a big vision that we can only achieve if we walk a mile – together. WORDS/IMAGES: MATTHEW MAWKES. Coming soon: DCM Walk a Mile Challenge Let’s make big strides together! Every day, hundreds of individuals in the Wellington region face the harsh realities of homelessness; with no shelter, food, or hope. That’s where DCM steps in – building trust, offering a place to be together, providing essential medical services and other help, securing homes, and ensuring a smooth transition to stability. But we can’t do it alone. We need funds to keep our essential services running. And so, we’re excited to announce a new fundraising initiative: The Walk a Mile Challenge! About the fundraiser The Walk a Mile Challenge encourages participants to walk a mile each day for 30 days in a pair of old shoes. Like a sponsored walk, but everyday distances rather than one big hike. You can walk anywhere and anytime that suits. The challenge is designed to be flexible and inclusive, including walking to work, to school, walking the dog, or even just to your favourite lunch spot. And 1 mile is just 800m there and back. Take the first step If you can, please sign up to join in the fundraiser yourself. Hit reply to this email or click the button below, and we will be in touch with more details. Walk a Mile Challenge And feel free to spread the word and encourage your friends and whānau to sign up as well. We’ll be officially launching the Walk a Mile Challenge soon, so if you would like to support us on the day come along to: Te Aro Park Tuesday 10 October (World Homeless Day) 12-1:30pm If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact DCM’s Kaimahi Pūrongo, Nigel Parry. Please join us so that together we can end homelessness. Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 7 Aug 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Hauora services – transforming lives at DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Hauora services Transforming lives at DCM Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing unique to Aotearoa. Here at DCM, we know from experience that when someone’s hauora is not where it should be, it can lead to many problems, including homelessness. And we know, from both experience and from what the data tells us, that homelessness can lead to an early death for many. Although the mortality rate varies between studies, typically people experiencing homelessness die 15 to 30 years younger than their housed counterparts. A New Zealand hospital-based study looked at risk factors for mortality in a cohort of homeless patients, which included 126 deaths with a median age of death of 52.6 years. Many of the patients had a record of cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as mental health issues and substance misuse. Meanwhile, a large new study links loneliness or social isolation to a higher risk of an early death. People who experienced social isolation had a 32% higher risk of dying early from any cause compared with those who weren’t socially isolated. Participants who reported feeling lonely were 14% more likely to die early than those who did not. Images from DCM’s 50th anniversary photo exhibition – top left photo by John Williams; bottom left photo by Chris Bing; photo at right by Helen Mitchell. Our 50th anniversary was in 2019, but since then two out of the three whānau pictured in these images have passed away. On top of these alarming figures, while access to adequate medical care is considered a human right, we know that this is not always an option for the whānau we are working with at DCM. This is why we offer a range of hauora services right here on Lukes Lane – where the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our city come. If we can make them feel welcome here, we know that the easily accessible hauora services we have on-site can not only save lives, but start to transform lives, wherever people may be at. DCM looks to the Meihana Model to guide our practice in the provision of hauora services. The model is based on a double-hulled waka travelling through the ocean, impacted by the four winds and ocean currents. There are six core dimensions to the model: whānau (defined as support networks); tinana (physical health and functioning); hinengaro (psychological and emotional wellbeing); wairua (beliefs regarding connectedness and spirituality); taio (the physical environment); and iwi katoa (services and systems that provide support within the hauora environment). The four winds that can impact the waka are colonisation, racism, marginalisation, and migration. DCM recognises the correlation between these factors and how they have affected the health disparities, inequities and mana of our people. Our team works hard to mitigate and mediate these determinants to improve better health and wellbeing outcomes, reinforcing our organisation’s commitment to achieving goals paved in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The ocean currents that support the course when they are harnessed correctly are āhua, tikanga, whānau and whenua. To assist us with steering these elements, we are grounded in our values of Manaakitanga (integrity, trust, sincerity), Kotahitanga (unity, collective action), Pono (walk the talk), Rangatiratanga (leadership, striving for excellence), Hihiritanga (striving for improvement), and Whanaungatanga (identity and belonging). The Meihana Model highlights the importance of the relationship we have with our whānau, to work alongside them, so we can navigate the most appropriate course together. The following demonstrates how DCM applies this lens through the services we offer. Music has a big role to play at DCM. Here Tui and Jenny join in waiata with Athena (right). Whānau Our whānau come to DCM from widely different backgrounds and experiences. DCM aims to understand the full picture of who our people are. Comprehensive assessments aid us in gathering the whakapapa of their past and present to help us assess their needs and plan for better future outcomes. These assessments often identify a disconnect or collapse that our people have in their relationships with their whakapapa, whether it be with whakapapa whānau (biological) or kaupapa whānau (key support people). When people don’t have whānau of their own, sometimes it is DCM who fulfil that support network. At DCM, our Te Hāpai service welcomes people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness, providing a safe space where they can enjoy kai, kōrero and meaningful activities. Whānau will often pop by DCM on weekdays to catch up with one another – and with our staff too. And at the heart of our staff are DCM’s kaiāwhina – peer support workers with lived experience of their own. Who better to connect with people experiencing homelessness than those who have been through it themselves? Tinana DCM’s busy hub on Lukes Lane provides a range of hauora services to address people’s physical health and functioning. Leading this mahi is Ali Janes, whose title is Kaiārahi Te Pae Manaaki Tangata – Te Pae Manaaki Tangata means, “The place where people experience manaakitanga”, and is a gateway to DCM's hauora services. By rolling out the red carpet and helping marginalised people feel welcome, we hope that any barriers they may face in accessing medical care will fall away. DCM’s Ali (left) with Dr. Frances Ruddiman, a periodontist who specialises in dental surgery and the management of medically complex patients, and Clem, one of DCM’s dental assistants. Te Aro Health Te Aro Health Centre has been working with DCM for decades to bring healthcare to the community. Serena, a nurse from Te Aro Health, shares, “Te Aro Health provides primary healthcare services for people who are homeless or in precarious living situations, many of whom have mental health and addiction issues, and who suffer from the social determinants of health. We provide an outreach clinic at DCM three days a week where people can drop in and see us. It’s a great space because people feel comfortable coming here. Accessing the health services is an extension of their feeling comfortable in this space, and they can see us on their own terms. “I think that the most important work is the collaboration between our services – because our patients have such complex needs, we really depend on having DCM involved. This improves health outcomes like getting them along to secondary specialist appointments they may not otherwise attend. So, we’re often liaising with DCM, at the outreach clinic and in our general work. We make sure the services we provide are appropriate for them – are working for them. Or how can we be flexible to provide something else that meets their needs?” 30 to 45 whānau per week on average visit the Te Aro Health outreach clinics at DCM. Dental Service The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, and none more so than those who are already vulnerable, where expensive trips to a dentist may need to be sacrificed for something else. Fortunately, DCM provides a free dental service for people experiencing homelessness who are in urgent pain. It’s free thanks to dentists and dental assistants taking time away from private practices to treat our whānau in DCM’s fully equipped dental clinic. Our dental service is led by Dr. Sophie McKenna who was recently featured on TVNZ, noting how our hauora services empower our whānau. Watch the clip here. Says Sophie, “Dental pain is all consuming…to take them out of pain allows the head to clear a little. Maybe the advice and support that the DCM key workers are offering them – maybe can be taken on board that little bit better. “And then it becomes a cycle of everything on the mend for just getting that tooth fixed.” Hilory Randell had a painful tooth filled at the DCM clinic and is delighted with the results. (Source: 1News.) Sophie also comments on how different the DCM service is to other dental clinics and the positive nature of the experience for whānau. “I’ll say, ‘What’s the most important thing that I can help you with today?’ And they look astonished. They are normally told to lie back, open up, and then a health professional gives them a carefully worded lecture about what isn’t being done, how disastrous things are. “And that’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to make them feel better.” Physiotherapy Pain can be a familiar part of life for our whānau. Jeff Dixon, our volunteer physiotherapist comments, “Rough sleeping and lack of adequate housing can make it difficult to sleep in a comfortable position. The lack of sleep and psychological stress can then make pain worse.” Jeff sees whānau with a host of issues when they come through the doors at DCM, having treated “a variety of injuries – from simple sprained ankles to the results of stab wounds.” Jeff has been coming to DCM for over four years now, every fortnight, on a Friday. He usually sees a mixture of new patients, and those with long-term conditions who benefit from – to quote one of our whānau – his “magic hands”. Audiology Life is better when you can hear well. Our physical health services are growing as Clare, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), is coming on board to offer ear wax suction on-site at DCM. This has been a significant unmet need for our people for quite some time. Clare (centre, with Rebecca and Bronwyn from Te Aro Health), is an ear, nose and throat specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, who is now able to offer her expertise on-site at DCM thanks to donated ear wax micro suction equipment. We recently said farewell to Gemma Sheehan, an audiologist who has volunteered at DCM for the past two years. During that time – despite the pandemic – Gemma was able to offer hearing tests and fit our whānau with hearing aids, to truly transform lives. We find that many of the people working with us at DCM suffer from hearing loss, which often goes back to the root causes of poverty. For example, we know that one of the most common causes of acquired, permanent hearing loss in children is meningitis. We are looking forward to welcoming a new audiologist to DCM soon. But in the meantime – thank you Gemma for your support of DCM! Pātaka Kai DCM has long had a Foodbank, and we acknowledge that kai is another way that we can support someone’s physical health. Sometimes the Foodbank can be an entry point into DCM services – and we can then move beyond kai to try to understand what other supports people may need. But in the meantime, kai supports sustenance, ensuring whānau have access to nutrition to prevent any debilitating of their tinana. Hinengaro Mental health and addictions are often co-occurring issues in the lives of our whānau. Our Te Awatea programme looks at addressing both through education and group work. Reon, whom Jo-Ann has been working with over a long period of time, has benefitted greatly from this service. Jo-Ann shares that one Friday morning she was photocopying material related to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for the Te Awatea session when Reon asked if he could have a copy. Reon came back the following Tuesday and chatted with Jo-Ann about what he had read. Jo-Ann shares, “I realised that he read the whole thing. He started telling me how he could implement these things in his own life.” She has seen Reon’s decision-making change in a really positive way as a result. Jo-Ann with Reon – we are so proud of the progress he has made along his journey to wellbeing. Harm reduction is often the only model that can work for our people, who may have chronic conditions, face barriers from their past, and find it hard to access traditional addiction services. But despite the challenges, the strength of our whānau in seeking help does not go unnoticed by our staff, who, like Jo-Ann, are often taken aback by their commitment to improving their wellbeing. Rowan, DCM’s Kaiārahi Piki te Ora, comments that there can be a vicious cycle when it comes to the treatment of mental health issues for those who are rough sleeping. She comments that the under-resourcing of the mental health sector in Aotearoa can lead to whānau, “Being on the (mental health) ward for two weeks and then being discharged to the streets. If they are lucky, they will be placed under the TACT team, who come out to find them and give them an injection.” We find that whānau can often lose touch with their mental health team, resulting in them being placed back on the ward – only to end up on the streets again or in emergency accommodation and evicted if they suffer a relapse. DCM works in collaboration with Community Mental Health to change these outcomes for whānau. Community Mental Health regularly visits DCM helping people to access the support they need. Rowan shares that at times mental health staff support DCM when a mandatory treatment order is needed. There is a high risk of suicide in those who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. We know – again, from experience – that receiving mental health support can save someone’s life and prevent tragedy. Wairua Māori believe the sneeze of life, the mauri, was breathed into the body to create humankind – and that everyone has a wairua, a living soul. Spiritual health is an important part of someone’s overall hauora, and though it is a broad concept, the practical nurturing of someone’s wairua can involve identifying what brings meaning to their life and finding their ‘why’, or purpose. DCM acknowledges that understanding the wairua of our whānau connects us better and can bring significant, positive impacts to the engagement we have with our people. One way that DCM nurtures wairua is through meaningful activities – such as our weekly poetry sessions. Led by John Howell, a retired Presbyterian minister who volunteers at DCM every Tuesday, whānau are given an opportunity to share their creative work and critique others – leading to meaningful conversations. John Howell (right) leads one of DCM’s poetry sessions. Pastor Joe Serevi (left) of the Salvation Army has also been supporting DCM and our people for many years. Here he joins in the fun. Our regular carving courses honour traditional Māori carving techniques. As well as connecting whānau to their culture, our staff also take part in these courses so they are able to on-share this taonga of knowledge. Bjay, one of our Toru Atu (Outreach) workers, shares her experience: “As a Māori woman, coming from a background where our women didn’t carve as part of our culture, getting permission from my elders was a must. This is to show respect for our beliefs, our traditions and our elders, past and present. Whatever the outcome may be, it must be respected. It was an honour to be permitted to carve. “The ability and experience to learn about the different wood types, strengths and colours was nothing short of amazing. What wood floats to make a waka, what wood they used to make taiaha (traditional weapon). Learning how to respect and use the tools was just as important. To carve something so precious out of a block of wood and shape it into something beautiful was uplifting and left me feeling proud. “When we do something so traditional, you can’t help but think of your old people who are or were carvers and weavers, and be honoured to be a part of their legacy. Whether the art is contemporary or not, the tikanga will always remain strong, and the tradition will always stay alive. “It makes you proud to be Māori.” Bjay (right) with Shylo at one of DCM’s carving sessions. As an organisation, we open and close our day with karakia and waiata, and whānau are invited to join. DCM staff are spread across the building and the city undertaking different mahi throughout the day. Beginning our day together is important as we ‘settle’ our wairua before opening our doors, and similarly to close our day as we go our separate ways. Just as music and waiata play an important role in the life of DCM – so does our karakia. Sia, DCM’s Kaiarataki Ringa Rehe (Practice Leader), shares that karakia is important to DCM because “Karakia is of value to whānau. Kotahitanga is established through all of us coming together as one to begin and end the day. And karakia is rewarding on a personal level for many of us. Having that as a part of our regular routine at DCM means that we connect meaningfully with one another beyond the level of what we can see.” DCM has been able to purchase four new guitars for use at waiata thanks to support from the Nikau Foundation. Taio Whānau can be left without a sense of place when they experience homelessness. When all of your time is spent looking for shelter or searching for food, a sense of belonging and safety is not attainable. At DCM we aim to foster an environment that welcomes whānau and helps them to feel as if they have a place where they belong. DCM sits on the historic site of Te Aro Pā and we honour this connection by offering the same services and supports the Pā provided in the 1800s. Te Aro Pā provided hospitality too, and at the changing of the seasons – like the peoples of this area used to do – we come together to celebrate Seasonal Kai. Recently, we gathered at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke to enjoy a hāngī thanks to funding by Wellington City Council’s Connected Communities Fund. Our Seasonal Kai for Matariki provided whānau with an opportunity to take part in an enjoyable event that has become a highlight of the year. Another tangible way DCM supports taio is through the housing procurement mahi we undertake with our Aro Mai Housing First service. Housing First is all about finding homes that are the right fit for our whānau. We assess their needs and aspirations for a whare where they will thrive. This includes the neighbourhood where they would like to live, access to amenities, number of bedrooms – everything that helps determine that the physical environment will have a positive impact on our people. Because everyone deserves to have a place that they can call home. Iwi Katoa Within the health sector, our whānau can sometimes find it hard to access the support they need. For whānau who are Māori, this is especially true with recent research showing that 96% of Māori experience racism on a daily basis. We want to change this for our people by supporting them through their interactions within the health and social services sector to make these positive and empowering experiences. Attitudes within the sector may have changed in recent years, but this does not discount the negative experiences our whānau may have had. Recently, we welcomed Kitty Truell on behalf of the Public Health Agency to DCM. She comes to Te Hāpai weekly to spend time with whānau, hearing their stories to better inform policy and strategy development within the Ministry of Health around equity of health services. Ministry of Social Development staff also come to DCM in person to run sessions twice a week where our people can seek assistance with the support of our staff. Accessing an MSD grant for an essential item such as glasses can be life-changing for our whānau who may have difficulties navigating the system. A hard fact of reality is that without access to appropriate medical care, people’s lives are at risk. DCM held a memorial service at Wesley Methodist Church recently for those who have passed away. Simon (left) lights candles in memory of the 17 DCM whānau who have passed away over the last two years while Sia (right) reads out their names. Unfortunately, DCM has seen the full impact of the poor health outcomes associated with homelessness in Aotearoa. Over the last two years, 17 of our whānau have passed away, one as young as 25 years old, with three men known to us who were victims of the Loafers Lodge tragedy. We all feel the impact of these losses and especially at this time of Matariki, we look back and remember the lives of those we have lost. But at Matariki, we also look to the future, and we are excited to see the opportunities that lie ahead to transform the lives of our whānau as we travel on our waka together – toward health and wellbeing. WORDS: MATTHEW MAWKES & MIRIAM HENDRY. Can you help? If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering to provide hauora services through one of our existing programmes, or if you have an idea for a new one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. And, as always, you can also help by telling all your friends and whānau about DCM and our important work in Wellington with those who need us most. Please forward this email on. Because together – with your help – we truly can end homelessness in our city. Support DCM Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 3 Jul 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau joins DCM's Outreach team, checking in with people who are rough sleeping in the city communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Reaching out with the Mayor GUEST WRITER: LEE-ANNE DUNCAN DCM’s Toro Atu (Outreach) Team were delighted when Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau, accompanied them as they checked on people sleeping rough on the city’s streets. She declared herself “an advocate” to see their heart, passion – and impact. “Kia ora, gidday, would you like to say hello to the Mayor?” says Rowan McCardle, introducing a man sitting in Te Aro Park to the Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau. The man – who Rowan knows well from his visits to DCM – is keen to chat, almost flirtatious, from his spot in the bright afternoon sun. After a quick chat, Tory, Rowan, and her co-worker Clifton Raukawa, head down to Courtenay Place responding to a notification just through from the Wellington City Council. A woman has been rough sleeping outside a business on Courtenay Place, and while it’s sunny, it’s June, so it’s chilly. “She has only a thin blanket, and the person who notified the council about her is concerned,” says Clifton to Mayor Tory, reading off the email on his mobile phone. “We know this woman. She’s been away but must be back in town, so we will need to see how we can support her.” The WCC email notification is great timing as this is exactly what Rowan and Clifton, workers from DCM’s Toru Atu, or Outreach Team, want to show the mayor – how DCM responds when a member of the public calls the council to report concerns about someone sleeping rough. It’s a service the council helps fund. It’s also not great timing – the woman’s blankets are spread out in the lee of a post box, but she is nowhere to be seen. “It’s okay, I’ll circle back in a few hours. She won’t have gone far,” says Clifton. He’s troubled though. As the woman has been out of town for some time, she’s no longer eligible for emergency housing here and must start the process again. Clifton’s already thinking about how he can support her, ensuring she’s connected in with DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team. Tory and Mere – Photo by Damon Keen. Rowan, Clifton and the Mayor (and, yes, a couple of photographers and journalists) continue down Courtenay Place. Within a few steps, Rowan spots another familiar face. “Nanny! I haven’t seen you in ages! Kia ora!” It’s Mere, whose face is also familiar to Wellingtonians who spend time at this end of town. However, for some weeks her usual spot outside the St. James Theatre has been vacant as she’s been settled into a rest home. Rowan introduces the Mayor, and Tory and Mere sit down on a bench to discover their whanaunga – who they know in common. It doesn’t take long to find connections, to the evident delight of both. “DCM worked with Mere for a long time to get her into the rest home,” says Clifton. “We had to build a lot of trust with her, but she agreed to go and it’s clearly agreeing with her. She’s looking really good.” Nonetheless, here she is back on Courtenay Place? “Yeah, but that’s her social connection. Coming here to chat to people, to connect with her friends, that’s what she knows. But now we know she’s well housed and cared for, so that’s okay,” says Clifton. Some of the people street begging are housed, but having a house costs money. Benefit payments don’t go far, and often street beggars aren’t physically or mentally able to work. Being on the street supplements their income, but, also, like Mere, gives them the chance to meet up with their mates. Clifton has his own experience of homelessness. Living and working in Auckland, he was visiting Wellington when the COVID-19 lockdowns began. Suddenly, he was homeless and jobless. Luckily, he found a flyer for DCM, which found him housing, then offered him a job as a peer support worker, as DCM values lived experience. Clifton is now studying to bring theory into his practice. Like Rowan, he loves his Outreach work, as tricky as it is at first to bowl up to people who – quite honestly – might tell you to bugger off in no uncertain terms… Clifton - Photo by Juan Zarama Perini. A little further down Courtenay Place, the trio have a quick chat with Mark. With everyone they meet it’s a quick, “Kia ora, how are you, how’s it going?” Much of their work is making repeated connections, building trust, finding the right supports at the right time, even after someone is housed, like Mark. He was rough sleeping but now is permanently housed and being supported by DCM’s Noho Pai (Sustaining Tenancies) Team, as keeping house is tough when you’ve not had to do housework, be a good neighbour, or pay bills for quite some time. The Outreach Team were lucky with the weather the day they took Mayor Tory for an up-close look at their mahi. On the streets of the capital city, the days are not always so clement. Wellingtonians are generally compassionate people, they want to help, and the way many action that support is by handing over food, money, blankets, clothes. “But that’s short-term assistance, which actually makes their situation more long-term,” says DCM Director, Stephen Turnock. “It teaches people they can get money and food by street begging or rough sleeping. At DCM, we are about providing long-term change. So we say, if you want to buy kai or provide support to people on the street, then look at donating to DCM. You’re still helping by ensuring people who are trained to engage will work with that person long term to get more sustained outcomes than just that brief moment where you give someone some lunch.” DCM’s Outreach Team approach street beggars and rough sleepers with nothing more than a warm smile – and often, like Clifton, their own lived experience of homelessness. Every week day they’re out on Wellington’s streets, in all weather, stopping and chatting to people they already know by name, and, importantly, scanning for people they don’t know. If so, they will approach them, encourage them to come to DCM to access the many support services available at Lukes Lane, and get connected with social agencies, all in the one place. Social Issues reporter Hanna McCallum (left) wrote this great article about Outreach in The Post – Photo by Damon Keen. The other thing Wellingtonians can do, especially as winter grips tighter, is call the Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444 if they spot someone sleeping rough on the street, in the bush or in a car. After that call, a ‘ticket’ is created and emailed to the Outreach Team. The team receive at least two a day, but sometimes 10, usually numbering between 90 and 120 notifications a quarter. Sometimes notifications are for the same person, showing people are really concerned. After receiving the notification, the team races off to try to connect with the person, wherever they are across the Wellington region, whether out on the streets or tucked in the bush. “The team’s tagline is ‘Whatever it takes’,” Stephen says. “If they’re told to go away, they’ll respectfully keep checking back in, and usually the person will come into DCM. When they do, that’s a great win for the team. “For people experiencing homelessness, the value our team brings is showing them that someone in the community cares. For the wider city, our team is about recognising that the people we see rough sleeping are people. Yes, they might have some issues, and they come with a history, but they’re so much more than that. Our team brings that insight and knowledge to the wider public.” Walking out with the team has also brought insight to Tory Whanau. The Outreach Team has been walking the streets since 2016, with Wellington City Council providing funding for the team since 2019. Mayor Tory is more than reassured it’s money well spent, and she – like DCM – is perplexed no other council in Aotearoa New Zealand does anything similar. Her walk-out with the team has spurred her to urge other Mayors to follow suit. “Until you come out here and see what the team does, you don’t really see the value. I can see that clearly. Until all the systems are fixed – mental health, welfare, housing, which are all long-term issues – homelessness won’t go away. As a society, we need to have more compassion and see the human side of homelessness. If more of us know the people sleeping rough on our streets, we would be more compassionate and understanding. This city is also where they live.” Tory and Rowan – Photo by Damon Keen. Stephen is equally warm about the council’s support. “Everyone there is truly invested in the social wellbeing of our people. There’s a continued and genuine passion that’s shared about these vulnerable communities. That, I would say, is the primary reason the Outreach mahi exists and is so well supported here in Wellington.” The final stop on Mayor Tory’s tour is for Rowan to check in on a young woman in her early 20s, ‘living’ behind a piece of cardboard down an alleyway an arm’s length from Wellington’s home of high culture, the Michael Fowler Centre. Her behaviour – caused by a history of trauma, mental illness and drug addiction – has seen her evicted from emergency housing, which means she’s no longer eligible for it. So, if she’s not on the psychiatric ward, she must live on the street or with her abusive boyfriend. Usually, she prefers the street. Rowan walks up to the cardboard, calling the young woman’s name. After a few words, Rowan’s back. She wasn’t up for talking today, but Rowan knows they’ll likely see her tomorrow at DCM, at Te Hāpai, where people can come for a cuppa, a chat, and have any health, addiction, housing, benefit and money issues dealt with, and maybe collect some kai from the Foodbank. “She’s engaged with us and we have a rapport with her. If we don’t see her, someone from our team will look for her. We’ve got her working with Aro Mai Housing First, so hopefully we can find her a permanent home soon.” And from there, the Sustaining Tenancies team will step in, guiding this traumatised young woman to keep her home. Photo by Juan Zarama Perini. Back at DCM in Lukes Lane, Mayor Tory Whanau is vocal in her admiration of what she’s witnessed. And she’s hopeful more Wellingtonians will call the council if they see someone street begging or sleeping rough this winter, rather than handing over food, money, blankets, clothes. “It’s been great to be here and see the notification process in action, and then to see the heart Rowan and Clifton have when they approach people in response. That’s how they deserve to be treated. I was already a big supporter of DCM but being out here today has taken it to the next level. “Seeing what’s happening here, and meeting the people, hearing the stories, it brings it home to me even more. If more Wellingtonians could experience what the Outreach Team sees each day, they would have a greater understanding of homelessness, and how we must protect our most vulnerable.” Lee-Anne Duncan is a freelance writer and editor who has written many stories for DCM, such as ‘We count, we matter – and we vote’, the 2020 General Election at DCM, and ‘Right at Home’, the story of Arthur. Thank you Lee-Anne for hitting the streets with Tory and the DCM team. It’s getting cold out there As we have shown in this story, help is just a phone call away. If you spot someone sleeping rough on the street, in the bush or in a car, call Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444 and they will notify us. You can also help by telling all your friends and whānau about DCM and our important work in Wellington with those who need us most. Please forward this email on. Because together – with your help – we truly can end homelessness in our city. Support DCM Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCM PO Box 6133 Marion Sq Wellington, Wellington 6011 New Zealand Add 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
- 12 Jun 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
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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 we share DCM's new film clip, and hear the story of DCM's whaea Jenny, in her own words communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Te Rahi o DCM The Breadth of DCM Kia ora koutou We are excited to show you our new film clip – Te Rahi o DCM – as we hear from our Manahautū Stephen, other members of the DCM team, and whānau like Hapi and Smurf, who share some of their story. You’ll see our carving group in action, and other cultural activities such as our daily waiata. Amidst the activities, you’ll see DCM’s Whaea Jenny, whose role as Toa is to support the development and implementation of DCM’s Te Ao Māori strategic approach. Whaea Jenny supports, mentors, and role models the organisation’s kaupapa Māori competency programme to strengthen our cultural capacity and capability. She is a champion of our kaupapa, and a true unsung hero of DCM. We are delighted to share her story – in her own words.  Unsung heroes of DCM Whaea Jenny My name is Jenny Langford-James, but I was born as Jeanette Whetumarama, and grew up with this name – it is the name on my driver’s licence, for example. It wasn’t until I was an adult and went to get a passport in 1986 that I found out my father hadn’t registered me under this chosen name, but rather had recorded my middle name as May. Originally, I’m from Motueka. My iwi is Ngāti Kuia – that’s on my nana’s side. My koro is from Ngāti Apa. I am the third of eight siblings: Laura, Michael, Jenny, Stuart, Patrick, Peter, Shaun, Jerry. My older sister was brought up by my grandmother, so as the second oldest I had a big role in looking after everyone. Things weren’t very good growing up. We were very poor. We couldn’t afford to have our power on most of the time – and so we lived in the dark. For many years we had no shoes. I remember being sent around the neighbourhood with a note to ask for bread. But when we didn’t have kai we walked down to the beach – about half an hour’s walk from home – and lived off the sea. Mussels and cockles, cooked on a bonfire. The last thing on my mind was education, but I did go to school. We couldn’t afford books, so we cut big white drawing paper into little booklets and used that. A lot of stuff we were taught at school I learned through memory. Front left in this photo is our very own Whaea Jenny. I wasn’t allowed to speak te reo Māori as a child – I got a whack with a ruler on my first day of school for that. Mum and my aunties used to kōrero in te reo, but behind closed doors. In the end the reo started when we did our prayers, our karakia. That’s how we learned the language. I joined a Māori culture group and performed at a young age. It was a place where you could go away and express yourself. It was non-judgemental. And whatever you put in to it, you got out of it. To this day I love kapa haka. Our father was an alcoholic and a violent man. My mother, brothers and I all suffered beatings from him. But our mum made sure that we weren’t brought up outside a pub. She was our saviour really. She supported us all, and it is thanks to her that we have gone on to have the lives we’ve had. One day my parents got a visit from the government saying they were going to take us kids away. And so, I left school at 14 and a half to look after the two youngest ones while mum went to work. It is these experiences that give me empathy for our whānau – a real understanding of what they have experienced and what they are going through now. Manaakitangata was an everyday thing for us. Mum was strict about it – we had to uphold the mana of ourselves and of the family, and we learned to respect others’ beliefs too. We need to prepare our whānau for the next generation. From a Māori perspective, it’s about making sure someone else can step into your shoes. When my oldest brother died, one of the whānau from back home got up to speak and said, “Who’s going to look after us now?” My whānau – all of us – were the ones who looked after everyone in Motueka. So, when someone died, we were the ones who went in and supported the families, sat on the paepae, did the karanga – did all the work to look after everyone. And then it dawned on me – all of this manaakitangata was taught to us. Now I understand what it means. Today, it is great to work for an organisation like DCM, where manaakitanga is one of our core values. Whaea Jenny and her colleagues worked together with police to develop a new family violence kaupapa while she was employed in Taranaki. At the age of 40 I decided to enrol at Nelson Polytechnic where I studied for a Mental Health Support Workers Certificate. I was nervous as I’d had very little education growing up; however, thanks to my kaiako (teacher) and follow peers, I managed to graduate. I have worked in both the North and South Islands, with kaupapa Māori services and mental health services. I was with Gateway Housing Trust in Nelson, up in Auckland working for Te Whare Tiaki Trust, then in South Taranaki for 18 years working for Ngāti Ruanui Iwi Social Services, before joining Kahungunu Whānau Services in Wellington, in the same building where I work with DCM today. I first came to know about the mahi of DCM by beginning and ending our days alongside the team here in Lukes Lane, as we joined together for the morning waiata and karakia. I felt a calling that I just had to be with DCM. I wanted to work with the most marginalised whānau. So, after a hui with DCM Director Stephanie, and an interview with Taone and Neavin, I was employed by DCM. I began here in September 2019. Whaea Jenny lends her support at one of DCM's COVID vaccine clinics, November 2021. I love the whānau who come here to DCM. If we can give a bit of ourselves to them, we get so much back. I want to see them all housed, and for DCM to show them a different way forward. We’re getting them into homes, but we need more than just homes. For me in my role as Toa, I am working alongside our Practice Leader Sia to get DCM’s Tātai Aro practice framework in place. We are learning what mana-enhancing services are all about, and making sure that DCM is culturally viable, and that all of our staff have the capacity and capability to step up and make things work. Among our team, there is a wealth of knowledge, and everyone has their own tikanga, with so much to share. I am grateful to have this opportunity to share my knowledge too. I always go back to Stephanie, who made this job happen for me. Stephanie was DCM's director for 16 years, and she made the place rock. I am excited to be part of the team with Stephen at the helm, as we map our way forward, and can't wait to see what comes next for our amazing organisation, where manaakitanga sits at the heart of everything we do. Thank you Whaea Jenny for sharing the precious taonga that is your story with us. This story uses elements of Whaea Jenny's Kaimahi Kōrero with Michelle Scott. (Thanks Michelle!)  Do you know someone who may like to join DCM? We currently have a Kaiarataki Piki te Kaha (Senior Manager) role, Kaimahi (Key Worker) roles as part of DCM's Piki te Ora Pou, along with Kaiāwhina (Peer Support Worker) roles available at DCM. Do you know someone who, like Jenny, could use their life experience to help support others on the journey to sustainable housing and wellbeing? All the info is available on our website. Please get in touch, and, as always, please forward this Ngā Kōrero on to anyone who may like to learn more about our mahi. 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
- 1 May 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
- 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; } } 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
- 4 Apr 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
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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; } } 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
- 6 Mar 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
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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; } } 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? 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The unsung heroes of DCM
- 6 Feb 2023
- Downtown Community Ministry
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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
- 5 Dec 2022
- Downtown Community Ministry
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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; } } 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.

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