“Habitat for Humanity; it’s all in the name. To help people live with dignity in their homes is the most humane act you can do. To help give the ability to live in your own home without shame,” said Sarah’s father.
Habitat continues to work in partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver critical home repairs for Māori whānau across Te Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau. This is a unique partnership, where Habitat loans are used in conjunction with Te Puni Kōkiri grants, increasing the amount of funding and reach available.
This support is made possible with the support of BNZ, who provide Habitat Northern with a $1 million interest and fee-free line of credit so we can partner with more Kiwi families.
Sarah* lives with her whānau on Waiheke Island. She has a rare condition called OEIS Syndrome.
Prior to repairs the home had a leaky roof, faulty lights, a water cylinder that had blown and no hot water. Sarah’s father said, “This was particularly hard for Sarah because of her pain issues. The consequences of missing a shower could lead to infection. For somebody with Sarah’s condition, infection can quickly spread to her kidneys, and this can be life threatening.”
Sarah’s home has received a roof replacement, a bathroom renovation, hot water cylinder replacement, electrical rewiring, and new curtains throughout the home.
Sarah’s father said, “The stress caused by losing the upkeep of your home is often overlooked. The peripheral problems that we had to deal with along with the deterioration of our home had knock on effects. You begin to feel ashamed and reclusive, it’s like the chaos theory. The same domino effect has also happened in reverse. Since the repairs have been done, I feel less shame about my home. Our lives have improved one hundred fold; especially for the children. Sarah looks happier and healthier.”
*Name has been changed to protect the family’s privacy.
