| 123 “Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from storage to social areas, to make sure this is a comfortable and functional home for our residents.” T T Kelly Deeks Community-driven project set to deliver Abbeyfield House being built on Wills Road is set to offer secure, affordable accommodation for 14 seniors COMMUNITY Abbeyfield NZ : Iline Construction Katikati’s Abbeyfield House being built on Wills Road is set to offer secure, affordable accommodation for 14 seniors, who can live independently while benefiting from a supportive communal environment. This long-awaited community-led housing development is now nearing completion, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and generous local supporters. Led by chairwoman Carole Parker and a small but dedicated committee, The Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty Inc project, has been six years in the making. “This is a real community effort,” Carole says. “It’s been driven by volunteers and supported by local businesses, trades, artists, and residents, who believe in what we’re doing.” Abbeyfield homes operate on a unique notfor-profit model that offers companionship and comfort for older people that otherwise might be isolated, or facing the challenges of the rental market. Each resident has their own studio room with an ensuite, as well as space for personal furnishings, a small fridge, and even a favourite chair or couch. A housekeeper is on-site daily from 10am to 6.30pm to prepare lunch and dinner, while breakfast is self-service. Residents dine together in a communal dining area and can enjoy landscaped outdoor spaces, including a sunny private patio outside their studio and a communal central courtyard. Carole says the Katikati Abbeyfield House has been carefully designed to ensure every studio is north-facing for maximum sun, and the layout includes two fully accessible disability-friendly units. “Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from storage to social areas, to make sure this is a comfortable and functional home for our residents.” Iline Construction was selected to build the home, and Carole says the company has exceeded expectations. “They’ve been outstanding to work with, collaborative, understanding, and really generous with their pricing. They know this is a not-for- profit project, and their whole team has gone the extra mile. They’re currently ahead of schedule and aiming to finish by the end of September.” Funding for the $3.3 million development has come from a combination of community fundraising, sponsorships, and a significant grant from the Government’s Affordable Housing Fund. More than $700,000 has been raised locally through raffles, golf tournaments, market days, and creative campaigns like selling personalised bricks and artist-painted garden stakes. Funding has also come from Abbeyfield NZ. Local businesses have stepped up in remarkable ways. Elite Garden Design’s Alison Flynn has donated her landscaping expertise, and Iline Construction has sponsored the painting and naming of one of the residents’ studio doors. The painting and sponsoring of doors was a fundraising initiative, with each door now individually named after native trees and birds, and painted in bright colours. Residents can expect to pay about $460 per week, which covers rent, food, power, and all other costs, offering excellent value when compared with private rentals. There is already a waiting list for the Katikati home, with 39 applications for just 14 places. Carole says the project is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. “These residents are getting a brand-new, warm, dry, healthy home and, importantly, a place where they’ll feel part of something.” With only $63,000 left to raise, the finish line is in sight. The Katikati community continues to rally behind the project, with more events on the way. | Residential Series Metro Series | APL Architectural Series | ThermalHeart+® Email: info@alitech.co.nz, Phone: 07 863 9091 Website: www.alitech.co.nz Showroom: 35 Victoria Street, Waihi 3610 Hamilton showroom by appointment only. Your reliable and trusted Main Contractor, proud to deliver Abbeyfield Katikati. We deliver exceptional quality projects across the Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Fitout sectors. iline.co.nz Total Residential and Commercial Door Solutions Bay of Plenty and Waikato Wide Specialising in Wooden Interior Doors, Pre-hung Doors, Cavity Sliders, Exterior Doors, Barn Doors, Door Hardware and Accessories, Wardrobe Systems and House Lots. Contact Us 07 348 5370 www.totaldoorsystems.co.nz
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