Our Winter Appeal Story

 

 

 

 

Across Aotearoa, many people face the daily challenge of not only finding a safe place to sleep, but also being able to provide enough food for themselves and their loved ones. Living in cars, garages, or overcrowded homes makes even the simplest routines—like preparing a meal or keeping food fresh—difficult, adding to the stress and uncertainty families already carry.

As the cost of living continues to rise, more whānau are being pushed into this reality. For many, the struggle isn’t just about housing—it’s about how to put kai on the table day after day.

Yet, even in the face of this growing need, there are stories of hope.
Recently, one Salvation Army Centre shared how just months ago, several people were sleeping outside in their carpark and nearby streets, often without consistent access to food. Through ongoing support—including food assistance and practical care—the team has now helped nearly all of them move into safe, stable housing, transforming their ability to live well.

For families like Jack* and Tula*, that support has been life-changing. After exhausting all other options, they and their four children moved between homes before eventually living out of their van. Providing regular meals was a constant challenge, especially with two children on the autism spectrum.

Through The Salvation Army, they were able to move into a stable home—creating not only a safe place to sleep, but a space where they could cook, share meals, and begin to rebuild.

“Having a stable roof over our heads has changed everything. We finally have the space to settle, to feel secure, and to start again,” Jack shared.

Stories like theirs show how closely housing and food security are connected. With your support, people are not only finding shelter—but also the ability to nourish themselves and their whānau, restoring dignity, stability, and hope for the future.