New homes make a difference for whānau with health challenges

For two whānau who moved into newly built homes in Gisborne recently, it was clear that finally having a long-term home would be good for their health.

After more than two years staying in emergency housing, dealing with a health problem, Phillip and Bromlyn never thought they would live in a place where they could feel settled.

The overwhelmed couple are very excited to have moved into a new home in Kaiti, with their move supporting the Government’s commitment to ending the large-scale and long-term use of motels for emergency housing.

“We spent two years and two months in that motel room,” says Bromlyn. “While we were very grateful to have a roof over our heads, it’s not the same as having a home.”

“I had cancer and had to have my kidney out. When I came out of hospital, I had to recuperate in the motel. All I wanted to do is have the comfort of being in my own space.”

Bromlyn and Phillip

Phillp has arthritis in both his knees which has got progressively worse while he has been in the motel. It is now at the stage where his mobility is severely compromised, and he is using a mobility scooter to get around.

“Physically and mentally being homeless is very hard on your wairua (spirit). We know there is a long waiting list and we honestly thought we would never get a home. Housing has been in the news a lot and you just don’t know where you are going to end up.”

“When Kāinga Ora rang and said they had a home for us, I just broke down and cried,” recalls an emotional Bromlyn. “I was so overwhelmed, the adrenaline hit and I don’t know what I was saying on the phone!”

“Our new place is just beautiful and close to shops, grocery stores and the doctors. I love the design, I love the storage, and I am enjoying bringing all our stuff out of storage to make the home our own.”

“We are so grateful to the builders, the trades people and all the Kāinga Ora staff who have helped us get stable place to live, they really are changing lives,” adds Bromlyn.

Phillip and Bromlyn’s neighbour, Selwyn has also had his health battles. He is visually impaired and had been living at his daughter’s severely overcrowded house.

“My life is turning around since moving into my new home, it suits my needs well and is a gift for me and for my daughter,” says Selwyn.

“I am enjoying having my own space and I have learned to navigate the new spaces now. I no longer need to work around the toys and other belongings that the rest of the family would leave around my daughter’s house.

“I am grateful for my Geneva Healthcare team who supported me in my housing journey.

“It was awesome to team with Kāinga Ora on getting such a great outcome for a person we support” says Ash Blair, Geneva Healthcare Occupational Therapist.

“We help Selwyn navigate the challenges of his limited sight. We assist with shopping and taking him to regular gym rehabilitation sessions.”

Selwyn’s goal is to become more independent. “Because my home is fenced, I can finally look into getting a guide dog”, says Selwyn. “This would mean I could get to the shops and other places on my own. Recent surgery has improved my sight somewhat, and with shops close by, I may not need a guide dog right now to get some independence. This home really is a new beginning for me.”

The six new single-storey homes were built by TW Property and Kāinga Ora purchased them once they were completed.

Over the last two months, 26 new state houses have been completed in Gisborne with individuals and families in need moving in to make them their long-term home.