Mission News

Winter 2020

Missioner’s Message Kia Ora On Sunday 6 June 1920, at a time of immense need in our community, the City Mission was founded by the Reverend Jasper Calder. The founding service took place in the Princess Theatre on Queen Street, which at the time was one of the largest public buildings in the City. The service was packed with 1,100 people and many hundreds were turned away. Some years later, reflecting on these beginnings, Jasper Calder wrote: “When the Mission was first launched, amazement is the only emotion that is possible. When we began our ministries, we had no set programme, other than we were out to help the underdog in his grim battles against life’s difficulties. We started with no money, no rules but with an excellent committee, a lot of enthusiasm and a mighty big faith.” One hundred years later on 6 June 2020, a very quiet, deeply meaningful ceremony took place. Under the foundations of our new building – Mission HomeGround – the mauri stone, gifted by Ngati- Whatua,- was buried. The mauri stone is a mark of respect to the earth mother, Papatu-a- nuku. It bestows a blessing on the site and the building, captures the essence of the land and aspirations for the future. A small group of staff, Board members, - Kaumatua, Bishops and the construction team, represented the wider Mission - - - Tarati Blair-Hunt of Ngati Whatua whanau. Together they placed the stone into the ground, looking to the future with the mauri stone. and giving thanks for the past 100 years. The Mission was birthed at a time of great trauma, need and brokenness. We moved from the devastation wrought by the Spanish Flu and the First World War, into a time of peace, hope and rebuilding. One hundred years later we were once again called to respond at a time of great need when COVID-19 hit our country. Our staff worked tirelessly around the clock throughout lockdown. A particular focus was on housing and supporting homeless people while responding to the almost overwhelming emergency food demand. All we did was made possible by the huge support of the community, donors, Government and Council. Now we look to the future where we must not return homeless people to the streets and where we must ensure all New Zealanders have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. We have done much, and we have much to do. The Right Hon. joined the Mission’s In the words of one of our great Ma-ori leaders, Sir James Henare, staff Zoom meeting to show her support.

“We have come too far, not to go further, we have done too much, The Mission is incredibly grateful to not to do more.” the Government for awarding a grant through the ‘shovel ready’ fund to Thank you for standing with us as our HomeGround project. we support Aucklanders in need. Read more on page 5. Chris Farrelly CEO/City Missioner

In this • The Mission’s response to COVID-19 • Neil Finn’s gift to the Mission issue... • Building hope – a HomeGround update • #aucklandershelpingaucklanders • Centenary celebrations • Supporting the Mission in 2020 The Mission’s response to COVID-19 Building hope

Auckland City Mission was established in 1920 by Anglican Reverend Jasper Calder. The services 196 7,429 3,636 the Mission provides have changed over time to reflect the city’s evolving social needs. Today, people come to the Mission for many different reasons; some are rough sleepers or people living in cars and People placed food parcels food parcels inappropriate housing. Others are battling addictions, living with mental health issues, or struggling into emergency provided to provided to accommodation* families* individuals* to feed their families over a period of unexpected crisis. Some are isolated elderly. The Mission has been here to support Aucklanders in need for 100 years and we will continue to stand with those people as we move into our next century.

The Mission’s support for the city’s street wha- nau and The Mission continued to provide a daily food service for those in need changed during the COVID-19 lockdown. the city’s street wha- nau during lockdown. We offered daily takeaway food bags filled with nutritious food to last a day, Almost overnight, the team redesigned our services to in partnership with Auckland Council. ensure we could deliver support safely and appropriately Auckland City Mission is at the time. The team also responded to a large increase The Calder Health Centre team quickly triaged any patient established. Rev Jasper in demand for services. who was symptomatic of COVID-19 to a temporary tent Calder is Chair & Missioner First Weekly medical Christmas clinic & free and created an isolation room for them. During lockdown, Clothing and financial 1923 1929 Appeal pharmacy opened At one point, the Mission was providing more than 1,200 our doctors and nurses consulted via phone and video. assistance provided weekly food parcels to people in need, compared to the usual amount of 450. The figure is now closer to 1,000. Now the country is at Level 1, the Mission is quickly getting used to our ‘new normal’, in which we know our services 1920 Outreach staff still spent their days connecting with are needed more than ever. people experiencing homelessness but limited their Services extended First Mission shop *For the period 26 March – 8 June. Night shelter visits to 15 minutes at a safe physical distance. Two nurses join again to include opened. Temporary trialled in 1921 the Mission 1924 rehabilitating 1927 1930 housing for the Federal Street The Mission worked with Government and housing ex-prisoners homeless established partners to fast-track people living on the street into temporary accommodation to safely ‘self-isolate’. The aim is now to offer permanent housing for people World in temporary accommodation. War II For people in the James Liston Hostel and Te Whare H-ına- tore transitional housing programmes, COVID-19 Op shops grow Detox Unit set Moving, moving, social etiquette practices were in place. To enable social in number and Montgomery Youth up in Federal moving – many 1981 1970s 1960 warehouse 1947 Hostel opened* distancing, some James Liston Hostel residents relocated Street changes of address to nearby motels and our repurposed detox centre. The opened detox programme’s two-week rotation of patients broke COVID-19 protocol so couldn’t operate during lockdown. Our health care professionals had a At the same time, a third transitional housing programme mobile unit for testing the virus. opened in a vacant backpackers’ hostel. Prince of Wales building Family Guidance Selwyn Village opened* 1980 purchased as 1965 Centre established 1954 Teenager’s Home our new home 1983 * The Mission supports the Chase family established through the cold winter months Detox Unit temporarily relocated to Avondale. A women’s refuge Kelly*, her husband Mike* and their five children are a “What we really need help with is the basics, like food,” says 1986 founded with the Demolition begins of Hobson & proud Kiwi family. When Mike lost his job during COVID-19, Mike. The couple has asked their family to help when money HELP Foundation* Christmas 136-138 Federal Street buildings the family turned to the Mission for support. was tight in the past. During COVID-19 when so many are 1996 Lunch 2003 Hobson Street 2018 Community Centre ‘Haeata’ struggling, they couldn’t. begins purchased opens at the Mission’s temporary Last year, Mike was on the benefit and after six months home in Union Street of searching for work, he secured a part-time job, which Kelly got in touch with the Mission to see how we could help. led to a full-time role as a furniture mover. Des in our food services team talked to Kelly to find out what 2020 the family needed. She then organised the right amount and Although money was still tight, Kelly and Mike made ends type of food and other household goods for the family. Herne Bay House Child Trauma Calder meet. “It was good having Mike working. It felt like we were for HIV patients Centre opened* Health Centre Te Whare H-ınatore- doing well,” says Kelly. “When we get the food parcel we always wait until we get home 1990 opened* 1999 2008 established 2019 opens in February to open the box. The kids can see what we have and if there are But when COVID-19 hit, Mike suddenly lost his job and any treats. It puts a smile on their face,” says Kelly. returned to the benefit. Now they are again finding that by HomeGround the time they pay for rent, power, phone and nappies there Kelly and her family will continue needing support of the construction begins isn’t enough left to buy food for their growing whanau.- Mission this winter as Mike looks for work. James Liston Hostel * Names changed to protect privacy. *The Mission no longer provides these services as other opens in July agencies have taken on those responsibilities. The Mission Turns 100

As we mark this milestone, the Mission has its eye firmly on the future – which is The Mission was established in June 1920 to support Mission HomeGround – a purpose-built, safe and healing space to stand against families in the wake of WWI and continues today to homelessness, hunger and poor health. The precinct opens in 2021 and will include be a vital social service provider in the city. apartments for homeless people, community spaces and health facilities. The total project cost is $110 million and as of 14 July 2020, we have raised a magnificent $105.5 million towards our goal. We are incredibly grateful to have received funding from the Government, alongside the generous contributions from A service to remember trusts, foundations, companies and individuals. Thank you, we are nearly there. On 7 June, St Matthew-in-the-City held a special Neil Finn’s gift to the Mission service to mark the Mission’s Centenary. Bishops Musician Neil Finn – a longtime supporter of the Ross Bay, Jim White and Pikaahu Kito led the Mission – has donated his song “Find Your Way congregation in a beautiful and moving service. Home” to the building of HomeGround. Our thanks to everyone involved. The full service is available to view on the St Matthew-in-the-City website “I have always been aware of how important the HomeGround Building update stmatthews.nz/online-services-archive City Mission is in our community representing and supporting every day the homeless people of Level 9, the top floor, is on target to be completed Auckland. Now more than ever, as we shelter in by mid-August. place I am reminded that everyone should have a home where they feel safe and be well,” says Neil. Work has commenced on the façade windows.

Building services (such as water pipes and drainage) are being installed on Federal and Hobson Street on Levels 1and 2. Inside HomeGround June 2020: Mission HomeGround rising above ground. > 80 apartments for people who are homeless or on the social housing register > 25 detox beds > Calder Health Centre with capacity for 3,000 patients > Dental Clinic Proceeds from the track will go to Auckland City Mission. > Pharmacy Download the song and find out more at > Kitchen and dining facility to provide 300 meals per day aucklandcitymission.org.nz/homeground Chris Farrelly speaking at the Centenary service. > Food distribution hub > Support services for people who are homeless or recently housed > Community spaces > Retail spaces The Mission around town > Conference and event facilities You might have seen the Mission around town Artist’s impression of Mission HomeGround. lately. Some high profile Aucklanders lent their time and energy to support the Mission’s television ad celebrating the Centenary and introducing HomeGround. If you haven’t seen the television ad, you can view it at https://bit.ly/3il7XgK Want to know more? The campaign also features different elements “A community can flourish only when its most of the Mission in print, and on radio, billboards vulnerable are treated with compassion and If you would like to know more or wish to donate to HomeGround, and bus backs. dignity, and when effective methods and please contact Mandy Mee, HomeGround Campaign Manager on resources are applied to restore their mental You’ll soon see the Mission’s winter campaign too. and physical wellbeing. This is the purpose of 021 867 322 Keep an eye out for it as we tell the story about a HomeGround. We trust all Aucklanders will winter like no other. help us realise this vision.” or [email protected] Chris Farrelly – CEO/City Missioner Kanoa Lloyd gets behind Mission HomeGround. or to donate online go to aucklandcitymission.org.nz/homeground #aucklandershelpingaucklanders Supporting the Mission in 2020

You supported the Mission’s work in many different ways during COVID-19 – thank you! We need volunteers! From donations of money and food, to shaving heads for a cause and paying a ransom Do you have some spare time to help Auckland’s most vulnerable people? for the release of a much-loved teddy bear, your support was greatly appreciated. Read of a few wonderful initiatives below. The demand for our services has grown and we need volunteers to help pack food parcels for families in need, serve breakfast and lunches to street wha- nau every day, be retail assistants in our Op Shops around Auckland and much more. If you would like to help, please contact us at [email protected] and get involved. Shaving our heads for charity! Businesses lead the way Kim, Adrian and Marina wanted to help raise some funds The Mission couldn’t have distributed so many food to support those families in need. With the help of their parcels if it wasn’t for the partnerships with Countdown, employer, ASB , they raised $21,661 by shaving their PAK’nSAVE, Greenlea Meats, Hellers, Mondiale, Fonterra, heads. The Mission was one of the lucky recipients of New World and many others. Whether it’s a cash donation their fundraiser. Don’t they look amazing! or a donation of food, these businesses have stepped up and supported the Mission with extra support over the last few months. We can’t thank you enough. “We’re delighted to help The Mission throughout the year and especially during lockdown. Now that New Zealanders are settling into a new normal, the Mission needs continued support so they can keep looking after our communities and families. Foodstuffs is proud to support the Mission’s efforts in any way Volunteers are the heart of the Mission. we can.” Chris Quin, CEO Foodstuffs North Island Ltd

A sprint to the finish line Is getting fit your post-COVID goal? Then how about taking part in one of Auckland’s most iconic events, the ASB Auckland Marathon, and support the Mission at the same time. It’s an all-level event and suits anyone wanting to compete or take it a bit more slowly with friends or colleagues. You can do it as an individual or as part of a team – it’s a great work team-building event. It’s simple to raise funds for the Mission. Simply log onto Everyday Hero acm-aucklandmarathon.blackbaud-sites.com/ You can check out all the upcoming events at runningcalendar.co.nz and visit Give Better aucklandcitymission.org.nz/get-involved/ for more information. Would you like to give more to the Auckland City Mission, but just can’t quite fit it in the budget? No worries! Give Better is a movement of Kiwis discovering that giving more, and saving more, is not only possible — but even fun! By challenging ourselves to repurpose small amounts of everyday spending through their app, Give Better is unleashing a flood of generosity. Learn more at givebetter.nz

Nando’s support continues In June, every time $15 was spent at a Nando’s, $1 was donated to charity. Run the city on Sunday 1 November and raise funds for the Mission. A total of $40,000 was donated to five different charities, including the Auckland City Mission. We are so grateful to be partnered with the team of Nando’s who support the Mission on a regular basis. That’s a lot of chicken! Watch out for the return of the Nando’s Can For Chips promotion instore Regular Giving from 24 August. Setting up a monthly donation – big or small – to the You can sign up via the “Donate” page on Mission is an easy way to show your support. That way our website, phone us on (09) 303 9209, or we can count on a steady regular source of income email [email protected] that helps us budget to provide consistent service to Once you’re signed up, we will make sure One Can Two Can Aucklanders in need throughout the year. It also helps you receive an annual receipt so you can to make giving to the Mission easier for you. By signing claim a tax rebate. Every year schools, churches and organisations register to participate in up as a regular donor, you can help ensure that we can One Can Two Can, a Mission food drive. This year we collected over 20,000 keep providing services and support to the people in cans of food and essentials to help families in need over winter. our community who need it most. A huge thank you to all those involved. Meet Des Lowe

Senior Practitioner – Crisis Care During COVID-19 the demand for food parcels increased drastically, with Des and her team at the frontline providing urgent support for people in need. Des talks about her experience working at the Mission during the lockdown and how being asked to work on the frontline to hand out food parcels was an easy decision to make. “I consider it a privilege that I am still able to work during this time and it has given me a real sense of purpose. Although I don’t get to spend a lot of time with each person who comes in for a food parcel, I can sense when someone wants to have a chat. Often they just want to tell someone about their situation, their problems and they are feeling lost or unsupported. I listen to them, smile and encourage them the best I can. It seems to calm them and they appreciate it.” “I love working at the Mission. It’s where I’m meant to be.” Des Lowe, front face of the food bank service during the COVID-19 lockdown.

How to donate... Give a gift today to help You can make one-off or regular donations to the Mission online:

support the people in our aucklandcitymission.org.nz

community in desperate need. Bank deposit: Acc no: 12-3011-0520064-00 REF 1: Winter REF 2: Donor ID or Surname Phone: (09) 303 9209 Auckland City Mission is a registered donee organisation. Post: Please complete and freepost Charities Registration #: CC22938 lRD/GST #: 10-007-771 the donation slip below.

If you wish to pay by credit/ or , Please accept my gift of: please fill in this donation slip and return to: Gift of choice $ Auckland City Mission, Freepost 1129, PO Box 5352, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 or please circle amount: $25 $60 $135 $270

My personal details are: $25 contributes towards the cost of providing an essential care package to a person who is homeless. Name $60 helps to pay for 6 people to have a nutritious meal at the Donor lD Mission’s community centre, Haeata.

Address $135 pays for a food parcel provided to a family to help them fill their cupboards. $270 pays for food parcels for two families to cook nutritious meals. Postcode

Phone Please charge my credit/debit card: Email Visa Mastercard Diners Amex Card number Please send me details on how to make regular donations to the Mission. Please send me information on making a bequest to the Mission. Cardholder’s Name Please send me email updates. Please do not include my name on your mailing list. Signature Expiry Date /

All donations of $5 and over are tax deductible. A receipt will be sent to you. Please find my cheque enclosed (payable to Auckland City Mission).

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