Habitat for Humanity Northern Region and Genesis have announced a new community partnership that will support Habitat’s Healthy Homes Programme. The programme provides support for low income whānau, with services that directly address acute and preventable health issues that can be attributed to a cold, damp living environment.
Conrad LaPointe, Habitat Northern CEO said, “We appreciate the work that Genesis is doing around addressing energy hardship as the need in our region is acute. The cost of living crisis, Covid, and the recent severe weather have impacted our already stretched families. This partnership with Genesis ensures we can support those most in need across Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau, including Waiheke and Aotea Islands. We know we are making a measurable difference for our whānau, with every dollar invested in this programme returning $6.30 of social return on investment. The vast majority of this, 68%, directly impacting health.”
The programme works collaboratively with a range of partners and whānau to improve their health and housing, as well as reducing energy hardship. The service assesses the home, provides a range of minor repairs, including a curtain installation service, and items designed to keep the home warmer, drier and healthier.
Over 1,000 families were supported by the programme last financial last year, with 78% agreeing their overall wellbeing had improved and 95% learning something new from the information and education provided.
“Before Habitat came into our lives my children were forever getting sick. Our home was cold, damp and mouldy. Now we rarely visit the doctors!” said one Habitat family.
Genesis’ Interim CEO, Tracey Hickman said, “Trying to heat a poorly insulated house is costly, and Genesis appreciates many families are struggling with challenges that affect their ability to keep their homes warm and healthy. Genesis is proud to have entered a meaningful partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help ramp up the organisation’s positive impact.”
