| 91 T T Bernadette Cooney Cornerstone of support in Capital A key part of the Whakamaru facility is Kua Mākona i Whakamaru, the Mission’s 24-hour crisis recovery café operating from Thursday through Sunday. COMMUNITY Wellington City Mission - Naylor Love November marks one year since Wellington City Mission opened Whakamaru on its 120th anniversary - a $50 million community facility on Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook, which continues to be a cornerstone of support, shelter, and recovery in the capital. Wellington City Mission’s Communications Manager, Joe Horsman, standing in for City Missioner Murray Eldridge (who recently welcomed a grandchild), says the milestone is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. “In the year since Whakamaru opened, we’ve seen tens of thousands of people come through our doors to connect, rebuild and access support in times of crisis,” says Joe. “This building truly belongs to everyone.” Pressure from the prolonged cost of living crisis, had certainly increased the struggle for more Wellingtonians in recent months, he says. “Whether it’s a combination of economic stresses and personal struggles, the City Mission aims to work with each individual to achieve empowerment, transformation and a sense of fullness of life.” At the heart of Oxford Street’s Whakamaru are 35 transitional housing apartments, currently home to 29 residents, predominantly Rangatahi under 30 years of age. Unlike other City Mission accommodations that cater only to men, Whakamaru welcomes all genders, building a diverse and supportive community among its residents. “Our transitional housing provides wraparound support for young people wanting stability and, ultimately, transitioning into permanent housing, whether through Kāinga Ora, private rental, or supported living.” Another key part of the Whakamaru facility is Kua Makona i Whakamaru, the Mission’s 24-hour crisis recovery café operating from New Zealand's experts in architectural screening & facades. www.insol.co.nz enquiries@insol.co.nz Insol were proud to design, supply & install the shade & privacy screening for this Wellington landmark. C O M M E R C I A L Wellington (04) 472 5858 Christchurch (03) 344 6458 Auckland (09) 307 5851 Bay of Plenty (07) 571 1650 info@swpcommercial.co.nz www.swpcommercial.co.nz • Phone 09 827 0697 • 1016C Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland • P.O. Box 80237, Green Bay, Auckland Proud to provide HVAC Design & Build for Wellington City Mission & Naylor Love Thursday through Sunday. Staffed by people with lived experience in mental health recovery, it provides a safe, non-clinical alternative to hospital emergency rooms for people in emotional distress or crisis. “Someone can walk in at any hour, have a coffee, sit with someone who understands, and start finding a path forward,” explains Joe. “We’ve seen a rise in people using the service, which shows both the need and the trust being built.” In addition to Kua Makona i Whakamaru, Craig and Gail’s Café operates on a “pay what you can” model, Monday to Friday, welcoming everyone from city workers to people accessing Mission services. It’s a place for Wellingtonians to mix and share stories and show support for the Mission through a koha for a lunch and latte. Next door, the social supermarket offers food with dignity, allowing shoppers to choose what they need rather than receiving prepacked foodbank parcels. And alongside these, the Ora Toa Health Service provides accessible primary medical care and wellbeing support on site. “We couldn’t do any of this without our volunteers. They’re the heartbeat of what we do,” Joe says. “We’re always looking for volunteers whether that be drivers, baristas, or helping hands of all kinds. If you’ve got the time and compassion, there’s a place for you at Whakamaru.” To celebrate the anniversary, the Wellington City Mission hosted a community street party on November 1, complete with food stalls, cultural performances, and activities for tamariki. A year on, Whakamaru continues to live up to its name in Te Reo, meaning to shelter, safeguard and protect.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=