A place of transformation and healing for people in greatest need

Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai supports Aucklanders in need of appropriate housing, kai and hauora. Since their doors opened more than 100 years ago, they have responded to the city’s social needs with care and compassion, while advocating for a reality where there are enough suitable homes, enough money for nutritious food and easily accessible health care for all.

The Hugh Green Foundation was a supporter of the Mission’s development HomeGround, providing $3m over five years towards the purpose-built space, which opened in 2022. HomeGround is a thriving central city community hub, offering a wide range of services and facilities for people in greatest need, whilst welcoming all Aucklanders through the doors. HomeGround exudes hope and transforms lives, and is a place of transformation and healing.

As well as providing apartments, HomeGround is a hub where the Mission also offers expanded health and social services, state of the art withdrawal service (detox) facilities and a comprehensive programme of activities in a warm and welcoming space. Almost 80 people who would not otherwise have a safe, permanent place to live, now call HomeGround home. For some, that hope and transformation means becoming well enough to work or reconnecting with their whānau or learning to cook a meal – whether ‘big’ or ‘small’, it’s all meaningful.

After moving into HomeGround, tenant Shane said: “I am so happy, and so honoured to be here. You couldn’t find anyone here who is happier than me … I feel safe now because we’ve got 24-hour security so I can just get on with my life.” Shane has now found work, giving him a focus for the future.