This week we are loving the Far North non-profit community One Whanau at a Time. Founded by Papa Hone (Ngāpuhi, Te Atiawa, Tainui) & his partner Rachel, their organisation collects food and household goods and gives them away to those in need – helping one whanau at a time.
They are focused on lifting the standards of living so all tamariki, kaumatua and whanau are off the ground, in warm beds, dry healthy homes and with the basic necessities for living.
Equipped with nothing more than a kōrero based from his own lived experience, Papa Hone and Rachel – affectionately known as English Rose – go into each home with an open mind and full heart to offer support and inspiration to the tamariki and whanau who are often being raised knowing no alternative.
One Whānau at a Time is focused on ensuring all New Zealand tamariki who are born into whānau struggling with living in substandard dwellings, in poverty, with addictions, or violence that there is a way out. Papa Hone says that although sometimes the parents in these homes are making the wrong decisions, stuck in the cycle of that world, he doesn’t want the same path for the children.
“I can’t save the parents – they need to save themselves. But I do ask: will you let me save your children, will you let me help your whānau?” – Papa Hone, Founder, One Whānau at a Time
The work of One Whānau at a Time aims to be the catalyst to help to break the cycle. One Whānau at a Time mahi is made possible through generous donations from the community. The pūtea is used to provide tamariki in these homes with access to basic supplies, such as furniture, kai, and importantly a caring ear. They also help whanau get dwellings onto their own land to take the whanau out of the rental circuit to bring tamariki up on their own whenua.
E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, arā, he toa takitini- “My strength is not as an individual but as a collective”
As one we stand strong to lift our whānau in need, to close the gap of inequality. One whānau at a time. Mauri ora
Are you interested in supporting One Whānau at a Time? Looking for support or want to refer a whānau you know is in need? Or do you just want to reach out and kōrero about One Whānau at a Time? Please get in touch …
One Whānau at a Time also take donations to help with their mission, if you’d like to help click here.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PapaHonez
Ph: 027 274 7472
About The Author: Katie Brooks
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