kiaKAHA 

History of the Trust

In November 2017, Heather Pennycook, walked away from her job, hometown, community and family in order to relocate from Wanaka to Auckland for the purpose of working with the homeless on Queen Street.  She spent that first year learning from those on the street, studying Te Reo in her spare time, and building relationships with other Agencies working with the homeless in Auckland. During that time she felt to launch the KiaKAHA - Hope for the Hope-Less Facebook page as a platform to share some of the stories of those she met. There are 400-500 rough sleepers within a 3km radius of the Sky Tower, and it felt overwhelming at times.

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In addition to distributing meals, a supply of clothing, phones, medicine, and helping with public transport fares, she accompanied many to the hospital, WINZ, Housing Agency meetings, and arranged for housing for an elderly woman and two teenage couples. One of the most important things she felt she has achieved is to bring love, laughter, joy, and hope to those who still sleep on the streets. She's seen 'love in action' on the streets restore hope and change lives, especially lives that often come from a background of extreme abuse, violence, and desperation.

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After working in the CBD for a year, Heather shifted her focus to what she saw as the next area of great need: Manukau. Just prior to Christmas 2018 she and another volunteer formed a Charitable Trust from the original organization, and in a record amount of time, achieved Registered Charity status. After forming the Trust, Heather developed the more specific vision of a facility for the homeless in Manukau that would provide a way for their personal and communal restoration, first as a day center, and eventually as a full overnight shelter.

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KiaKAHA - Hope for the Hope-Less is currently seeking a building in Manukau that meets commercial zoning requirements, and that can become the place of hope, safety, and community for all who need it's services. For more info on why we believe this facility is desperately needed, head over here.

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