From one dwelling to eight; community collaboration creates more homes in Masterton

Built by community housing provider Trust House, the six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units replaced the single dwelling which was originally on the site. The new units are leased to LinkPeople, a community housing provider that links people to the housing and support services they need for their wellbeing.

The eight units at Kuripuni

The service is run by Pathways, a local community-based mental health, addiction and wellbeing service. While living in the units, residents receive full wrap-around support from on-site Pathways staff who provide 24/7 support with their mental health and addiction needs as well as things like practical daily living skills, leading a healthy life and employment.

Allan Pollard, Chief Executive of Trust House said this collaboration draws on the expertise of both Pathways and LinkPeople to ensure the best outcome for the tenants. “This regeneration is the first of many Trust House hopes to do in collaboration with Government, MSD and NGOs like Pathways and LinkPeople, for the benefit of the individuals and families that need them”.

The innovative collaboration between services has been operating out of the new location since 19 January 2018. Previously, Pathways ran the service from two neighbouring four-bedroom houses.

Pathways chief executive Sally Pitts-Brown said, “Our new location and partnership is a much more empowering arrangement for the people we support and enables a genuine and supportive transition to independent living.”

The service has also received great support from the Ministry of Social Development, including the Work and Income case management team.

“This is a great example of Government and NGOs working together to support people with their housing and mental health needs. We’re looking forward to continuing to work in collaboration with LinkPeople, Trust House and the community to provide the people we support with a service that enables them to thrive,” Mrs Pitts-Brown said.

Once residents are ready to move on to independent living, LinkPeople provide support and assistance to help them find and access permanent housing in the community.

LinkPeople’s service and relationship manager Jim Gallen said that unlike transitional housing, residents can stay in these units for as long as they need supported accommodation support from Pathways.

“Everyone has the right to permanent housing. Until residents are ready to move into a rental property in the community, these units provide them with a place to call home for as long as they need,” he said.

Inside one of the lovely fully-furnished units.

Hon Jenny Salesa, Associate Minister of Health and Housing and Urban Development, officially opened the Kuripuni supported accommodation service on Wednesday, 7 March.