…the night shelter was not just a place for the homeless to doss down but there would be support services, including a social worker to work with the men to try to get them back into mainstream accommodation and employment.
Having an alcoholic son has been a long and difficult journey for us.
Our son didn’t believe he needed help with his problem and we watched his slow decline of losing his wife, children, friends, job and recently his home. Earlier this year our son was facing eviction from his rental and despite our efforts to get him help every door seemed shut to us.
Sleeping rough was linked to Dad's mental illness.
During the years prior to Takitimu House being set up, Dad was in a repetitive cycle: becoming unwell - losing his stable accommodation - sleeping rough - recovering from his illness - finding new accommodation. And repeat. Over time, the stable accommodation options became fewer and periods of illness longer, meaning he spent more time on the streets.
Our family thank you all for your help.
A couple of years ago my son was going through a very difficult time in his life. Then he found himself homeless after his accommodation was taken over and all occupants had to find new living. He ended up sleeping rough when he was referred by WINZ to Takitimu House.
