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The Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust is restoring our faith in humanity around Wellington. Established in 2013 in response to a dearth of housing for homeless women needing medium-term, transitional housing as they turn their lives around.

The trust provides both safe and secure accommodation and wrap-around services which include support plans and ensuring benefit entitlements. Two years on, more than half of the 51 women who have come through the Trust have been supported into permanent housing; the remainder having chosen different paths.

Patricia’s story below captures the hidden ingredients for effective change: an environment of love and compassion combined with practical support and advocacy. Thanks to the Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust and all of its many supporters!

Patricia was determined to take a positive approach to life when she came out of prison. Like many people in my position, I have post-traumatic stress disorder. But living in a beautiful place, with help on hand, allowed me to gather my thoughts and adjust to community life at my own pace. The minute I arrived at the accommodation I felt comfortable and safe. .The staff at the Trust went out of their way again and again to support me. They got me organised with my benefit, set up doctor’s and counselling appointments, helped with my probation – they were my advocates. And they have continued to support me, even though it’s quite a while since I left them. My time with the Trust really restored my faith in mankind. People were so kind, such as the quilters who provide a quilt for each woman. What a warm and welcoming gift to come home to each day.  Read Patricia’s full story here [my story].

All of this amazing work is done on a shoestring.  If you wish to support WHWT in its transformational work, please visit www.givealittle.co.nz/org/homeless_wn/ or donate electronic payments kiwibank 38-9014-0567519-01, or post a cheque to Wellington Homeless Women’s trust, PO Box 1784, Wellington 6140.  A little can go a very long way to helping homeless women turn their lives around!

Previous Policy Watch BlogThe Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust : Recognising a hidden group of homeless women” October 2014