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    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Throwing in the patch for a life growing larger with Keri, and Census week at DCM communities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Life growing larger – Keri’s story Keri has a large number 13 tattooed across his right cheek. It’s unmissable – but it’s slowly starting to fade as Keri undergoes laser tattoo removal. “It’s been a bit of a process,” Keri reflects. “I’ve done six or seven sessions now. Got three or four to go – do them every six weeks. “It fuckin’ hurt getting it put on – but getting it taken off! Yeah, it’s not really getting easier…” Keri is working with DCM’s Aro Mai Housing First team, and his key worker Riley has been accompanying him when he goes in for tattoo removal procedures. Keri has been judged harshly for his tattoo, with many people and organisations unwilling to engage with him. He explains why this might be. “Number 13 is Mongrel Mob. We do all of our patchings on the 13th.” But Keri threw in his patch six years ago – and he hasn’t looked back since. Keri and Riley. Photo by Mary Hutchinson. Keri was born in Hamilton, and along with his brother was adopted out. He describes family life as up and down – but not too bad. “I grew up with a Māori father and a blue-eyed, blonde-haired Pākehā mother, so you’ve got the best of both sides!” The family ended up moving to Rotorua, where Keri’s father worked as a school principal. Despite his father’s job, Keri describes school as “shitty”. “I just hated school – only went for the bone carving. But that was only an hour a week.” Keri started hanging out downtown, where at around 12 or 13 years of age he began to engage with the Mongrel Mob. For Keri, it was like gaining another family. “Gang life was good. Just like having brothers,” he says, while adding, “The young ones have burnt a lot of bridges over the years.” It is those in-between years that Keri doesn’t like to talk about much. He is too focussed on the future to dwell on the past. In the past there was prison, violence, and injuries. Keri wanted change – which led him to Te Aro Health Centre. Photo by Mary Hutchinson. Te Aro Health shares DCM’s kaupapa in every way. People are not talked down to, or judged, when they visit Te Aro Health. Instead they are welcomed, and experience respect. For Keri, this was a game-changer, and led to a phone call to Regina for help with housing. Regina was Keri’s first key worker at DCM, and they quickly found they had a close connection. “I was couch surfing with my sister in Strathmore,” Keri explains. “Straight across from me lived Regina. I used to go diving with her husband! When I went to DCM I finally met her – then I clicked!” Regina sorted out some emergency housing for Keri. Despite the dire state of emergency housing in Aotearoa, for Keri, the stability that comes with having a roof over your head meant everything. From there Keri rapidly went from strength to strength, and he now has his own whare thanks to the Aro Mai Housing First collaboration, which involves moving people from homelessness into housing then providing wraparound support and regular home visits to ensure people can sustain their tenancy. “Keri’s super self-sufficient in a lot of ways,” Riley shares. “Because he is really well connected and supported in his community – and with his whānau as well. So he will ask mates for help when needed – or they’ll offer – which is awesome. “Our help has mostly been with finances, kai, stuff like that – and connections to services. Assistance with filling out forms and explaining information.” Former key worker Regina was blown away to learn of Keri’s progress. “We can always offer support – anyone can do that – but it’s whether or not the individual chooses to take hold of that support. And it takes a lot of humility – especially, I know, for a man of Keri’s background – to be able to come to that place where he knows that he needs to accept it.” Keri is connecting with his community, with his kids – and he’s even got to know the landlord. In the future, he wants to start carving again, in his own whare. “Life has got a hell of a lot better – especially since I met you guys,” Keri says. “Everyone at DCM has treated me well.” Riley has now moved into full-time study, and so Keri will work with a new DCM key worker, Raya, who will continue to accompany him for his tattoo removal procedures. Keri filled out the 2023 Census with Raya’s help. This was his first time doing the Census, and after Raya explained how important it is to be counted, Keri found it comfortable and easy to complete. Riley shares, “Keri has always been the same guy. Always charismatic and confident, and able, but watching him settle into being housed again, so he can have the confidence to have his kids over, has been awesome. I’ve seen him blossom and flourish in slow but steady ways. “Life for Keri is growing larger – bit by bit.” WORDS: MATTHEW MAWKES / PHOTOS: MARY HUTCHINSON / DCM. <!-- --> Tatau tātou – all of us count Census week at DCM The Census allows us to reflect on who we are as a country. We are each a thread of the interwoven fabric that makes up the rich tapestry of Aotearoa. The whānau we work with here at DCM – those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness – are an important part of that tapestry. We know that they have a lot to give, but that outcomes in health and housing aren’t always the greatest for them. And so we wanted to ensure they were counted in this year’s Census – just as we did in 2018 – because tatau tātou, all of us count. Benna Seveali'i-Siolo and Graham Streatfield from Stats NZ. Stats NZ joined us at DCM for the week of 20-24 February, during which 70 whānau were assisted to fill out the Census, either in private rooms or in the courtyard, on paper or using a tablet with a Stats worker supporting them throughout the process. We know that without support these whānau may never have had the chance to take part, and it is thanks to the wairua of the Stats NZ workers that our whānau were both comfortable and empowered to fill out the Census. A member of the Stats team commented that it was important to make sure “This community is not forgotten”. When asked how they felt about their time at DCM interacting with our whānau, another Stats worker commented that the conversations they had here were “Amazing and worthwhile” – a real highlight of the experience as a whole, and something that they had not experienced anywhere else. Whānau even shared some of their life stories with the Stats team while they filled out the Census – a special moment of whanaungatanga between the team and whānau and an “Interesting and fulfilling experience”. Many whānau filled out the Census in DCM's courtyard. Here Lua assists Monty to complete the Census on a tablet. Whānau recognised the importance of taking part in the Census. They strongly wanted their “Voices to be heard” and felt “Our word counts”. Being able to fill out the Census in a safe environment with familiar staff and access to the usual services running at DCM was important in making the Census a positive experience. Goodie bags and kai helped too! Some whānau were harder to reach than others, but overall they saw the Census as an opportunity to contribute directly toward government feedback and initiatives. Whānau found the Census to be “Simple and non-invasive” and “A positive experience”. For some, taking part in the Census was an act of service to others, as collecting information “Is important for people in the same situation as me” and for “People who have been on the benefit for a long time”. This was because information from the Census plays a large part in “Deciding where the money goes”. During the week we were delighted to see some of our deaf community assisted to take part in the Census, both with the help of DCM staff with sign language skills, and the Stats team themselves. We were continually surprised to see other whānau with a great mistrust of government take part as well. Graham assists Smurf to fill out the Census. One such person was Smurf, who experienced trauma at an early age at the hands of the Cyprus government. Through his relationship with DCM, built upon layers of trust and mutual respect, he was able to see the benefit in filling out the Census and found it to be a positive experience, this being the first time he had ever done it. Smurf found it “A lot easier than I first thought – I thought it would be more personal than it was”. Graham helped support Smurf to fill out the Census, sharing parts of his life story and reassuring him of the confidentiality of the information shared. Smurf’s is just one of 70 such stories shared during DCM’s Census week, and we thank Stats NZ for lifting up the mana of our people. Cyclone Gabrielle has had a big impact on this year’s Census, and we know the Stats team have been under a lot of pressure. We also lift up our whānau for having the courage to take part. Their stories are taonga, and the data they have provided will help build a better Aotearoa where everyone has the chance to be housed, connected, valued, and thriving. WORDS: MIRIAM HENDRY / PHOTOS: SUPPLIED. <!-- --> Foodbank SOS! DCM's Foodbank is empty! Meda and Jason have never seen our shelves so bare, and those that do have items are at a critical level – even the baked beans! New Zealanders have been finding their supermarket shop a painful experience for some time now. It is even more painful for the people we are working with here at DCM, who often have limited incomes. With three months to go until the next DCM Foodbank Appeal, we urgently need assistance. If you can help, donated food items are welcome at DCM week days, or to our food donation bin at New World Chaffers anytime. Some people also choose to support DCM with financial assistance at the end of the tax year, and you can find ways to do that below. Finally, if you have enjoyed this Ngā Kōrero, please forward it on to anyone who may be interested in supporting our mahi.   Support DCM <!-- --> Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2023 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
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        • Strathmore Park, Wellington, Wellington City, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand (OpenStreetMap)


    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 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.
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    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest Stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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} .footerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#FFFFFF; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } @media only screen and (min-width:768px){ .templateContainer{ width:600px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body,table,td,p,a,li,blockquote{ -webkit-text-size-adjust:none !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body{ width:100% !important; min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnRetinaImage{ max-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImage{ width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCartContainer,.mcnCaptionTopContent,.mcnRecContentContainer,.mcnCaptionBottomContent,.mcnTextContentContainer,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer,.mcnImageGroupContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightImageContentContainer{ max-width:100% !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } 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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    • Ngā Kōrero - Latest stories from DCM
      • 96 Ngā Kōrero - Latest stories from DCM p{ margin:10px 0; padding:0; } table{ border-collapse:collapse; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6{ display:block; margin:0; padding:0; } img,a img{ border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none; } body,#bodyTable,#bodyCell{ height:100%; margin:0; padding:0; width:100%; } .mcnPreviewText{ display:none !important; } #outlook a{ padding:0; } img{ -ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic; } table{ mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } .ReadMsgBody{ width:100%; } .ExternalClass{ width:100%; } p,a,li,td,blockquote{ mso-line-height-rule:exactly; } a[href^=tel],a[href^=sms]{ color:inherit; cursor:default; text-decoration:none; } p,a,li,td,body,table,blockquote{ -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; } .ExternalClass,.ExternalClass p,.ExternalClass td,.ExternalClass div,.ExternalClass span,.ExternalClass font{ line-height:100%; } a[x-apple-data-detectors]{ color:inherit !important; text-decoration:none !important; font-size:inherit !important; 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background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:54px; padding-bottom:54px; } .headerContainer{ background-color:transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left; } .headerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#007C89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } #templateBody{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size:cover; border-top:0; border-bottom:0; padding-top:27px; padding-bottom:54px; } .bodyContainer{ background-color:#transparent; background-image:none; background-repeat:no-repeat; 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} .footerContainer .mcnTextContent a,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p a{ color:#FFFFFF; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; } @media only screen and (min-width:768px){ .templateContainer{ width:600px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body,table,td,p,a,li,blockquote{ -webkit-text-size-adjust:none !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ body{ width:100% !important; min-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnRetinaImage{ max-width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImage{ width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnCartContainer,.mcnCaptionTopContent,.mcnRecContentContainer,.mcnCaptionBottomContent,.mcnTextContentContainer,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer,.mcnImageGroupContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightTextContentContainer,.mcnCaptionLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnCaptionRightImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightTextContentContainer,.mcnImageCardLeftImageContentContainer,.mcnImageCardRightImageContentContainer{ max-width:100% !important; 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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Looking back into the past, and toward the future, Jason remembers kindness – “The biggest thing on my list today.” Building commuities where whānau are housed, connected, valued and thriving About Us Contact Healing through kindness – Jason’s story It’s a cold mid-winter’s Monday morning at DCM, and the building is bustling with activity. Jason has just arrived for work, and there’s plenty to be done. Jason is going to show a new volunteer the ropes. Food awaits pick-up at some local churches, Kaibosh and New World – and when the DCM van returns back to base Jason will have food parcels to pack so taumai can receive emergency food assistance. For Jason, employed as kaiāwhina in DCM’s Foodbank, he knows that there are lots of little ways he can help. For example, “If someone needs an overnight food parcel, chances are they’re rough sleeping. So I’ll go out of my way to make sure they have some disposable containers, tear tabs – I couldn’t think of anything worse than being given some food and not being able to eat it!” Another day in DCM's busy Foodbank. Jason describes it as a selfless job. “It really gets me out of my own way, to help share the vision of DCM. I always walk away at the end of my shift feeling better about myself.” Looking back into the past, and toward the future, Jason remembers kindness. But life was not always kind to Jason, and he is remarkably honest about his journey. Jason was born in the Hawke’s Bay, where family life was pretty tough. “I had an alcoholic stepfather who brought violence into the home,” Jason shares. “My mum was trying to raise me and my two brothers and she kind of got trapped in this relationship and couldn’t escape.” Jason came out when he was quite young, and he was bullied at school. This had a big impact on him, as did working in hospitality from a young age. Jason is reflective about how drugs and alcohol helped him to suppress his emotions. “So you have the cultural aspects, and the family harm aspects, and also depression runs right through my family. I didn’t have good coping mechanisms. So one thing I learned is that when things get tough you just pack up and run. “I learned to pack very lightly, and not put roots down. I couch surfed, spending many years doing that. I learned that all your possessions are the clothes on your back, and what you can carry.” Jason was thrown out of places for not paying rent due to his drug problem, ending up in Australia. But despite the change of scene, and a good job in hospitality, Jason acknowledges, “I thought life would be OK. But I still hadn’t addressed that I had a drug and alcohol problem. Or that I was an addict.” It was back in New Zealand that Jason reached what he describes as his lowest point. “I remember getting to a point where I’d use drugs, walk around the house, and felt like I just ‘existed’. That was a scary feeling. I just felt empty, like I had nothing.” With family help, Jason was finally able to start the process of getting into rehab. That took four months, and in the meantime Jason started going to 12-step meetings, and anything he could find that was recovery-focussed. “I found online blogs of people sharing stories about how they managed to give up drugs, and I was drawn to that kōrero,” Jason says. “I thought, ‘Hang on, there’s a life outside this?’” After a relapse, Jason found himself rough sleeping. He went to Work and Income to ask for help with emergency housing, and they suggested popping down to DCM to get some food, where Dominic was his first point of contact. “I was a mess, but Dom was really kind. He helped me with a food parcel and then we had a bit of a kōrero about how DCM could help. I was willing to take whatever help I could get, and he said that Evan had just started at DCM, and that he would like to engage me with him. I wasn’t too keen on meeting a drug and alcohol counsellor! I just wanted to isolate in my own little bubble, and wallow in my pity. But as I was walking out of the interview room, Dom goes, ‘Oh, this is Evan here!’ So I didn’t have a choice in the matter! And that was kind of a turning point in my life.” Jason with DCM drug and alcohol counsellor Evan. From then, Jason started popping down to DCM regularly. “I would come down most mornings, even if it was only for a coffee and a chat to the staff. Just so that they had ‘eyes’ on me. I started opening my doors for change. I just let DCM in. “I maintained going to regular meetings – every single day, even when I didn’t want to. I joined Te Awatea. I would go along Mondays and Fridays. And have a kōrero in there with the other taumai, sharing my journey, and what was going on for me. It is so good that there is a safe space at DCM for people to speak openly and honestly. “Evan used to call me, saying ‘Hey brother, I’ve put your name down for this. If you’re not interested, you don’t have to do it’. As I started getting better I decided to take up the challenge of doing the things that scared me the most. And one of those things was doing the peer support training with Brodie and Hannah at DCM.” Jason was able to access other services at DCM, such as the emergency dental service. “I was terrified of seeing the dentist!” Jason explains. “I hadn’t looked after myself, but the dentist (Morris Wong) was amazing. He sees people. He talked me through my anxiety. It wasn’t as bad as I expected. I needed a tooth extraction and a filling, probably two things people fear the most. And he helped me through it. I went away thinking, ‘Wow, what a great experience!’” Jason also saw the Te Aro Health nurses at DCM. “Don’t even get me started on them! Rebecca and Bronwyn have been incredible, and super-supportive. I went to Bronwyn with a medical problem and she made it her business to push for the hospital to see me. They helped me, and it’s been great. She went above and beyond, just pushing for them to do something. “All the staff at DCM are amazing,” Jason adds. “All the staff who are there now, and those who have moved on.” Having completed training with PeerZone, another kaiāwhina (Renee) suggested Jason apply for a job working in the DCM Foodbank. “She set up an interview and I was absolutely terrified about going into a job. I hadn’t been in employment for eight years. I didn’t know if I’d be any good or be able to hold the job down. So much unknown, but I used a bit of courage. Then I thought, actually, the job’s not about me. I found purpose in the job and that’s about knowing that the mahi that I’m doing is impacting the lives of others today. “I used to give money to street beggars – until Evan pointed out the dangers. If I’m walking down the street now and hear a taumai calling out to ask for money I say, ‘If you’re hungry, pop down to DCM. WE can help.’” Jason now has a whare with help from Evan and DCM's Aro Mai Housing First team. He is proud to be housed, working, and officially off Work and Income’s books. He’s even ditched cigarettes. But most of all, Jason is proud to be living clean, one day at a time. “What I have learned in that time is to show others compassion and kindness. And that comes from the people who have loved me since walking through the doors at DCM. I wasn’t judged and they were there to help me. So today I try to see people and meet them where they’re at. I’m continuing to show that love and kindness to others.” Jason now has a life he never dreamed he’d have. “Some days I still feel like an alien trapped in my own body. I definitely don’t have it all together – but that’s OK. I’m on the right path. I’ve had many months of re-building my Te Whare Tapa Whā. I’ve learned core values and spiritual principles along the way. I’m a better person today, and I’m OK with who I am. “When I look back to my darkest times, what stands out to me the most are those who showed me kindness. Those who were able to be there for me, to say ‘It’s OK. It won’t be like this forever.’ “So I remember kindness – that’s the biggest thing on my list today.” Photoshoot by Gabrielle McKone. <!-- --> Te Awatea – Doing whatever it takes It's later on Monday morning at DCM – almost 11am. “Last call for coffee!” Clifton announces to the room. Some taumai get their final cup, while others mill around, waiting for Te Awatea to begin. Evan and Jo have set up the space, where taumai are welcome to come and go. They are joined by Clifton and other kaiāwhina, offering peer support for the group. Te Awatea is as accommodating as possible, though Evan and Jo will keep an eye on disruptions, and manage any behaviour that starts to impact other members of the group. Te Awatea is all about harm reduction – and today the nine members of the group start with a round of, “How are you doing today, on a scale of 1-10?” Some taumai rate themselves pretty high, a 7 or 8, while others are feeling a bit down today. A couple of taumai are dealing with medical issues at the moment, which is not making life any easier. Everyone shares how their weekend went. For some taumai, there are challenges. There are members of the group who freely share that they are dependent on drugs or alcohol, and feel stuck. But there’s no judgement from Evan and Jo, or from other taumai in the room. This is a safe space to share whatever you’re feeling, wherever you’re at. One taumai has to leave early to see a nurse. Before he goes he shares how he’s managed to reduce his alcohol intake. He had a great weekend, and is feeling good today. The group cheer him on – “Awesome mahi!” – as he pops out to see the Te Aro Health team. After the intros, Evan leads a kōrero about mental health. By sharing some of his story Evan knows that it will help break the ice, and get the group to open up about their own experiences. Taumai share how they face mental health challenges too, and some acknowledge that they use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, but that it doesn’t really help. There are a lot of laughs at Te Awatea. Everyone is different – and there are some characters! – but everyone is so open and honest that it’s hard not to share in a joke or two, to lift the spirit in the room. As the session comes to a close Evan leads with the serenity prayer, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Taumai chat amongst themselves as they head off. Some are looking forward to the next session, which will take place on Friday. In the meantime, Evan and Jo have their own little side room at DCM for one-on-one sessions with taumai who need them. While the group focusses on harm reduction, the offer of other pathways forward is always there if that’s what it takes for taumai to thrive. “Whatever it takes” is part and parcel of DCM’s kaupapa. Te Awatea truly shows that kaupapa in action. It’s not just on Mondays we hear stories like these. Here at DCM we are privileged to journey with taumai towards their housing and wellbeing aspirations, each and every day. You can help support us by forwarding this email on to anyone you think may be interested in learning more about our mahi. We will share our Ngā Kōrero bi-monthly. <!-- --> Support DCM We call the people we work with taumai, meaning to settle. This reflects the journey we set out on together – to become settled, stable and well. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. <!-- --> Copyright © 2022 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
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