Summer 2023 update to our supporters
Kia ora koutou
We have some exciting developments to report since we last checked in.
Funding
We are delighted to report that the Selwyn Foundation has come on board as the first funder for the Coalition!
This means we will be able to continue our work into the new year with renewed energy and renewed ability to get the events, networking, advocacy, and research programs that we have in the pipeline up and running.
With the Selwyn Foundation’s focus on the well-being of seniors, we will work particularly closely on highlighting the experiences and needs of older women experiencing housing precarity and homelessness.
Huge thanks to Selwyn CEO Denise Cosgrove and the entire team for trusting us with this mahi. We are excited about what we will be able to achieve together.
Upcoming webinar
We hear consistently from you all that getting together, sharing knowledge, and building connections is critical to creating change for our unhoused women - particularly given the data, policy, and funding gaps we are collectively trying to close.
To answer the need, we’re kicking off a webinar series next year that will be all about expert insights and peer support.
A big mihi to Housing First Auckland’s Policy and Evidence Lead, Lily Deane, and Dunedin City Council’s Principal Policy Advisor - Housing, Gill Brown who will join us as our first expert panelists.
What: Making the invisible, visible - local data and evidence approaches to understanding women's experiences of homelessness.
When: Feb 14, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting at the below link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIoce2grD4tE9K9jD1kmxlaqsuyD9g-GMoy
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We are happy to have one or two more panelists join us, so we welcome recommendations!
News and views
Our latest article was in Stuff - a beautiful profile of the Tuesday night wāhine dinner, hosted by the Auckland City Mission. The quote from Lechelle about the power of being around other women who understand her says it all:
“It’s just good being around people that don’t judge you, and they understand because the system sucks. They try to place us into boxes that don’t fit.
“But here, It’s safe and non-judgemental. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. I came here looking for a free meal and ended up getting help with addiction and accommodation.”
Thank you all for your continued support. Take care and enjoy spending time with your loved ones these holidays. See you in 2024!
He iti te mokoroa, nāna i kati te kahikatea
The grub may be small, but it cuts through the kahikatea
Vic, Helen, Jo, Caroline, and Jill
