Habitat News

BUILT WITH KINDNESS: The Wanoa family (from left) Abby, Kayla, Makere,Tukaki, Tukaki Jnr and Joshua in front of their newly-built Habitat for Humanity home. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

Habitat thrills two families, keen to help others

by Alice Te Puni – Gisborne Herald 24 February 2010

TWO Gisborne families “blessed” with new Habitat for Humanity houses have been presented with keys to their volunteer-built sanctuaries. The dedication ceremony in Tamarau marked the completion of two neighbouring building projects, which involved more than 100 volunteers. And the district might see more Habitat homes in the future, giving families in need “a hand” into home ownership. “We are already starting to look for more land in Gisborne to continue the work we are doing,” said Habitat’s Central North Island resource development manager Wilmari Nel.

Makere and Tukaki Wanoa and Michelle Leaf praised Habitat for Humanity, the volunteers who helped build their homes, and funders for making their dream of home ownership a reality, during the dedication ceremony. Mrs Leaf said words could not properly express the gratitude she felt for the chance of “new beginnings”. The entire process had been a humbling experience. “To everyone who helped . . . we thank you all,” she said. “Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude for all the people who have made this unbelievable dream a reality. We now have a healthy and safe home environment.”

The Wanoa’s rental home of seven years had dust mites in the carpet, which caused severe eczema problems for the children. They are now renting to buy their Habitat home and after three years will have paid enough rent to use as a deposit for a mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian not-for-profit organisation that helps build homes for low-income families unable to get a loan, and who live in substandard conditions that lead to poor health and other social deprivation. It also helps those spending a high proportion of their wage on housing to rent a decent home. “We work on a philosophy of a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ with a goal of social transformation,” said Mrs Nel. “Our aim is to help families and future generations escape from the poverty trap and social ills that accompany it.

“Families are taught pride of ownership and financial management. We assist with the transition from renting to the Kiwi dream of home ownership — not just for this generation but the ones to follow.” The Global Village team who helped build new homes for the Wanoa and Leaf families came to Gisborne from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom as part of a pay-your-own-way Habitat for Humanity volunteer programme.

They were from a wide range of backgrounds, including travelling students, judges, doctors and university professors.