June 2016 HOMELESS IN Homelessness: having no other Carla** has two school-age children, a mortgage and, until very recently, options to acquire safe, secure a job. Money was tight housing. And it’s happening on a single wage but with careful management she right here in Otago. was on top of her expenses. Then in December 2015 she lost her job. Her employer Our Family Works team is seeing a major reduced staff and she was one of increase in requests for urgent housing the unlucky ones to be shown the assistance. In the first five months this door. year the team alone has seen 26* clients seeking housing assistance; Now Carla is at risk of losing her home 20 of those people were already and facing the very real prospect of homeless; 14 of them were women, 11 dislocation and homelessness. with children. Her total weekly income is $569 Homelessness is defined as having no inclusive of benefit, family tax credit other options to acquire safe and secure and accommodation supplement. Her weekly outgoings, including housing. There are four categories the WINZ Supported Living Payment. repayments to creditors, total $755.11. identified by the Homelessness Dave lives in a boarding house; it’s not She is currently going backwards by Parliamentary Working Group: ideal. Like Dave, many of the boarding $186.11 per week. If Carla doesn’t find house residents have mental health or • Without shelter – “sleeping rough” work soon she may be forced to sell her substance abuse history. It can be a • Temporary accommodation – shelters, home. However, 2-3 bedroom rental volatile place and there is no resident refuges, backpackers, hostels accommodation in Dunedin ranges carer to support him, or others, through from $220 - $350 per week, at the lower • Sharing accommodation – “couch stressful ‘episodes’. end. As you can see from her budget surfing” (pictured), if she sells her home she Dave’s modest expenses also overrun his • Uninhabitable housing – squats, will potentially be worse off in terms of even more modest income. He ends each dilapidated dwellings. weekly expenses, and have lost her only week another $57.08 in debt. Although asset. not on the street, Dave is homeless. What’s the cause of the problem? Why are we seeing more and more people in housing Let’s look at Dave**. He’s a single The New Zealand Parliament Research crisis? Before we dive into the research and man living with mental and physical Paper into Homelessness (July 2014) statistics, let’s look at the personal stories of health issues. His total weekly income explored the demographics of the two current clients seeking help. is $274.28, the amount provided by ‘severely housing deprived’. These may 2

HOMELESS IN OTAGO cont. where our Family Works team would like are forced into taking whatever surprise you; 49% worked, studied or did more support and greater community property is available in a crisis both. “Despite this, they had insufficient effort. situation, and it is rarely adequate in the longer term. resource to obtain a minimally adequate 1. More support for families and home for themselves or their family”. individuals facing relationship and 3. A higher standard set for all rental They were predominantly children and personal challenges. Our Family accommodation to ensure warmer, young adults, ethnic minorities, and Works team’s experience tell us that safer, energy efficient housing for either part of sole-parent families or not the sooner we can support a family, the all tenants - a housing Warrant of accompanied by a family. They are not less likely it is for family breakdown Fitness. the scruffy, aging, drug addicted men to occur, resulting in less demand for While talking with Deb Gelling, Family you see portrayed in movies. They are crisis housing. Works Social Work Supervisor, for this far less visible, far younger and more 2. A larger pool of temporary, emergency article, she was called away to meet with likely to be women. a young professional woman who had housing suitable for parents and walked in, very upset, seeking emergency So what’s the answer for Dave, Carla and children. Temporary accommodation housing. The problem is real, and growing. the many others facing severe housing for 3-6 months would allow sufficient deprivation? There is of course no ‘silver time to secure appropriate permanent * At time of writing bullet’, but there are a number of areas housing for families. Too often people ** Names changed to protect identity

Presbyterian Support Otago volunteers and staff celebrate winning the 2016 Trustpower Dunedin Community Supreme Award (from left) Judy Hayes, Peter Dewhirst, Michelle Gerwitz, Godfrey Dodd, Jo Scott, Lyn Peterson, Mary Phillips, Su Anderson, and Olwen Dewhirst, all of Dunedin. Photo courtesy Otago Daily Times

Presbyterian Support Otago Enliven programmes for older people and place. Thank you also to Trustpower Family Works food bank. and the Dunedin City Council for the won the supreme award at recognition and the $1500 prize money. Congratulations also go to our Buddy the 2016 Trustpower Dunedin Programme volunteers in Alexandra and We look forward to representing Otago Community Awards on 27 Cromwell for their win in the Trustpower at the national awards in Rotorua in Central Otago community awards. This March 2017. April. is well deserved recognition for the If you would like to join our winning important work you do for children and volunteer team, register your interest their families in the region The award recognises the efforts of 500 at psotago.org.nz or call Michelle volunteers across Dunedin working in Thank you to all the wonderful people Gerwitz at 03 477 7115. areas like the Buddy Programme, Shop On who help us help people in Otago. charity shops, YouthGrow programme, You make our community a better 3

ACCESSORIES Even making a cuppa together ends up in a LOUNGE laughing session for A first in ! Shop on Taieri, friends Leonie and Jan. 135 Gordon Road, has proudly launched The Accessories Lounge. This wonderful little shop within a shop, stocks gorgeous shoes, hats, scarves and gloves. Everything you need to add a little splash of colour to your winter wardrobe. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 4:30pm

like me who can't get out and about. The people I visited were always so grateful, saying what a difference I made to their day, and here I am saying the same things to Jan. It really is the highlight of my week.” Leonie also finds great comfort in having Jan accompany her to hospital appointments. “To have Jan there to help me find the right place, safely, and be my eyes and ears so that I remember what the doctors have told me, is very comforting.” Jan, who is also on the Enliven Visiting Volunteer programme's advisory committee, encourages everyone to think about companion volunteering, whether in someone's private home or in a residential care home. “You really do get a lot of enjoyment out of these visits,” she says, listening SHARING GOOD TIMES to Leonie's trade-mark laugh as she interjects with a witty remark. To meet this pair Leonie is talking about her Enliven Find out more about the Enliven Visiting Volunteer, Jan Hannah. Visiting Volunteers programme by one would think they have been calling Judy Hayes 03 477 7115 or visiting Jan has been an Enliven Visiting psotago.org.nz mates from way back. The quick Volunteer for 15 years, the last two of retorts, lively banter about news which have been visiting Leonie in her own home for a catch-up over a cuppa. of the day, and constant stream “We have great rapport so it's just of laughter has 78 year old like visiting a friend,” says Jan. “It's Leonie McCutcheon describing something I build into my week and I just can't imagine not doing it.” her friend as cheeky and tiring. For Leonie, the boot is on the other foot. Until recently, Leonie was herself a volunteer for 14 years. Tiring! “Yes. I'm so tired out with laughing, I have the best sleep of the week “I now understand just how important a the night following Jan's visit,” she laughs. visiting volunteer service is to someone 4

STEPPING STONES

Learning to feel safe in exploring a new environment is part and parcel of the Stepping Stones experience

“Walking into Stepping Stones 20 year period. However, it is not only tough but with support from the group, participants who benefit from Stepping she persisted. Charlotte is now working for the first time I had no idea Stones, our community does too. part-time as a kitchen assistant in a care what to expect or what I wanted Charlotte’s story illustrates how. home in South Dunedin, close to her home. (She still volunteers to make lunch Just three years ago Charlotte was in to achieve. I just knew that I had each week at Stepping Stones). hospital receiving electro convulsive to do something.” therapy (ECT) for her bi-polar Stepping Stones has helped Charlotte condition, and struggling with alcohol and many others to move out of isolating, addiction. It was a real low point in disconnected, unhealthy and often unhappy Charlotte’s* journey to the Stepping her life. It was also a turning point. living situations, to more engaged, fulfilling Stones door two years ago has been a With the support of her sister and and productive lifestyles. long one. Like most people, she has had Alcoholics Anonymous, she gave up The service provides a safe, non- some challenges in her life. Unlike most drinking. But without work Charlotte judgmental and positive environment, people, she has faced those challenges was increasingly isolated at home. Her where opportunities are offered and with an undiagnosed mental illness, nurse encouraged her to visit Stepping individuals encouraged to take them up. bi-polar disorder. But now that she has Stones. Although it took a while to build The programme is not time-bound and arrived, she has never looked back. up the confidence to do it, she arrived at does not aim to “fix” people. The success Stepping Stones and immediately felt Stepping Stones is a Family Works of Stepping Stones over the past 20 years welcome and accepted. programme for adults living with and into the future, lies in its acceptance mental illness. The group supports Initially Charlotte remained quiet and respect for people as they are, and in people to learn new skills, enjoy social about her culinary skills. However, its capacity to connect participants with activities, share their knowledge and last year when the group decided to the community in which they live. talents with others, and experience hold a fundraiser breakfast, Charlotte Here’s to another successful 20 years for positive relationships with people was keen to be involved. By now she Stepping Stones and all who tread there! in their community. As the name felt confident enough to volunteer her suggests, Stepping Stones creates skills and knowledge to help make the * Name changed to protect identity a pathway from social isolation to breakfast a success. She did a wonderful inclusion and connection with the local job and earned high praise from her community. friends. With this positive experience and encouragement under her belt, she Based at Macandrew House, South began to think about new possibilities Dunedin, Stepping Stones has been for her future. operating in the community since 1996. More than 250 people have Charlotte started looking for work. participated in the programme over this Handling the inevitable rejections was 5

REFUGEE SUPPORT Family Works and our three WHERE THERE’S charity shops, Op Shop on St Andrew, Shop on Carroll and Shop on Taieri, are supporting A WILL THERE’S A WAY the Red Cross in resettling Syrian refugees in Dunedin. ‘Shop On’ gift vouchers are gratefully accepted by the new citizens who will use …and it seems there’s always half acre section and was purchased for them to purchase warm clothing £1125. Establishing our first children’s and household items. A great been a Will. home in Dunedin would not have introduction to op shopping and our been possible at that time without friendly team of staff and volunteers. Henderson’s legacy. The minutes of the very first Presbyterian Support Otago (formerly The difference Henderson’s legacy the Presbyterian Social Service made to the lives of children living JOBS, JOBS, JOBS Association) annual general meeting, 30 at Clyde Street is immense. Evelyn The search is on for 40 enthusiastic, September 1907, record gratitude for our described life at Clyde Street as not that caring people to staff our new first bequest, £500. of an institution but a home. “Children Aspiring Enliven Care Centre in returned from school rosy, happy and a Wanaka. There are openings for “A little seed of good intention was little untidy, just as other children return care workers, activity coordinators, growing in a good man’s soul” state the to their homes and mothers.” minutes. registered nurses, housekeepers, We continue to rely on the generosity kitchen and administration staff. That good man was Francis Henderson. of people who, having considered the Training/familiarisation starts Henderson ran a general store near needs of their family, make provision for in September and the doors open Loch Leven, Scotland, before settling in a gift to Presbyterian Support Otago in 3rd October. If you, or someone Broad Bay on the side of . their Will. For over 110 years the Otago you know, would like to work with He built a comfortable home there and, community has given. Like Henderson, our wonderful Enliven Wanaka according to the minutes, lived a quiet, you can make a difference in the lives of team visit psotago.org.nz/jobs and simple life. He was active in the growing Otago children today and into the future. register your interest on our Job Dunedin community and was an office For further information about leaving a Enquiry form. bearer in his Church. gift in your Will contact Richard on Two years after his death, it was found 029 1200 132 or visit psotago.org.nz that he had gifted £500 “towards the TGRW 2016 establishment of an orphanage under the What a great day it was! More control of the Presbytery of Dunedin”. This bequest became the foundation than 460 people enjoyed the rare for Presbyterian Support Otago’s opportunity to walk the Taieri Gorge first children’s home in Clyde Street, rail line. The sun shone, the views Dunedin. were spectacular and the people happy! In the early 1900s, orphaned and neglected children were a great concern Whilst the final calculations are still for the developing Dunedin community. underway, proceeds from ticket sales Deaconesses Evelyn Macadam and Mary and raffles are expected to exceed McQueen, and other church members, $19,000! All proceeds from the event were taking children into their own will support our youth development homes. The need for an orphanage programmes - YouthGrow and the was pressing. The minutes note one Buddy Programme. particularly ‘pitiful’ case where three Thank you Lions Club Dunedin children, aged five, seven and ten years, were found huddled together with their South, Dunedin Railways, ticket mother who was dying of consumption. holders, volunteers and sponsors for Something had to be done. your generous support and making Mary McQueen (second from right) and this event such a huge success. The timing of Henderson’s gift was Evelyn Macadam (right) with some of the perfect. A property in Clyde Street was children they took into their lodgings at 100 identified as suitable for a children’s George St, Dunedin, 1906. home. It was a house of 11 rooms on a 6

NEW BUDDIES

A Young Buddy talks about her school week as her Adult Buddy leads the way on a local track.

Watching the joy her daughter to a young person and we are really looking doing anyway, so there's no expectation forward to sharing a little bit of our lives of us having to spend extra money each gained from being an Adult with him or her,” says Linda. week,” adds Linda. Buddy while a student at the “Our own children have flown the nest “We were surprised to learn the University of Otago persuaded so it will be lovely to support a Young programme needs another 100 Buddy in their interests.” volunteers throughout Otago to meet Wanaka resident, Linda, to join Linda said she was impressed with the current demand – that's a lot of children the Buddy Programme. practical training and support provided missing out on a positive friendship. by the Buddy Coordinator, Sharon Bell, We really encourage people to join the friendly support from other Adult like-minded volunteers in making a Linda and her partner, Mark, have now Buddies, and the fact that the time difference in a child's life.” completed Buddy training and are she and Mark spend with their Young If being an Adult Buddy sounds of about to meet their Young Buddy. Buddy will not mean costly outings. interest to you, please call Family “Semi-retirement means we now have the “Activities are in the realm of everyday Works on 03 477 7116 to find out about a time and energy to become reliable friends things, many of which we would be programme in your area.

BUILDING LIFE SKILLS

No matter what your income, Participants take on the role of retailer in Otago. None can be fully undertaken or consumer, and debate the rights without community support. Thank you, there are priorities you need to and responsibilities each has in various your help is making a difference. make if you are to avoid costly transactions. consequences. Sessions discussing Christmas hamper traders versus grocery store Christmas Clubs, and the difference between needs This is one of the more important lessons and wants, also generate lively discussion. in the youth budgeting course taught in “There are many traps to fall into if you are Dunedin by Family Works. This principle living on a tight budget and it's satisfying to is more important, and a lot easier to know that we're giving these young people understand, than the intricacies of the the tools to make wiser decisions” says Jan. Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act, or the Consumer Guarantee and Fair “I didn’t realise how much a credit card Trading Acts, laughs social worker and really costs. They’re so easy to get, but you budget advisor Jan Hughes. can be paying them off for years. It’s pretty scary,” says one young participant. Jan employs role play to get many messages across to the teenagers in the Preparing young people for life as an adult Qualified budget advisor and social worker Jan YouthGrow and South Dunedin courses. is just one of the youth services we provide Hughes during a budgeting session at YouthGrow. 7

YES! I WANT TO HELP VULNERABLE PEOPLE WINTER APPEAL THIS WINTER. As Otago settles into its coldest season the number of people Please tick seeking our help increases dramatically. $40 Family food parcel $80 Budget advice and mentoring $160 Training and support for an Family Works counsellors and social Anyone can call or walk through our Enliven visiting volunteer workers are seeing a growing number doors to find the comfort and support $800 Social worker support for of families, including many working they need. a family in housing crisis families, seeking help. Household Our Enliven services for older people My gift is incomes that kept families afloat in are also stretched at this time of year. $ the warmer months do not meet the Many older people in our community costs of feeding, clothing and warmly become increasingly isolated over I have left a gift to PSO in my will housing a family during Otago’s winter and rely on our visiting I would like more information about winter. volunteer programme to remain leaving a gift in my will We help by providing an emergency socially connected. food parcel, counselling, budget You can help people in our community Please tick payment method advice, support to find crisis housing, through the cold months ahead by Cheque Credit Card or by providing winter clothing. supporting our winter appeal. Internet Banking

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Internet Banking PSO Account Number: $40 $80 06 0901 0005597 00 Family food parcel Budget advice and mentoring My contact details are Name

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$160 $800 Please return this form to: Training and support for an Social worker support for a family Enliven visiting volunteer in housing crisis Fundraising Team Presbyterian Support Otago FREEPOST 845 PO Box 374, Dunedin 9054 (All donations are receipted. Gifts over $5.00 are tax Complete the attached form, or go online to make your donation psotago.org.nz deductible. Charities Commission number CC 20878) 8

you can! octacan

23 june 7:30 am - 2:30 pm The octagon

Filling our foodbank

Presbyterian t: 03 477 7115 Support Otago e: [email protected] 407 Moray Place w: psotago.org.nz PO Box 374, Presbyterian Support Otago Dunedin 9054 PSOtago