An Update from Our Manahautū

 
 

I don’t know about everyone else, but this year seems to have gone by very fast. It was about this time last year that I stepped into the role of Manahautū, and it still seems like every day there’s something new to learn. Good thing striving for improvement (Hihiritanga) is one of DCM’s values!

A lot has happened at DCM over the past six months, including setting our new strategy. While it won’t look too different for the outside observer, our plan ensures we are:

  • proactively speaking out for the whānau we support

  • providing wrap-around support for people in crisis, and

  • supporting people to build meaningful and long-term connections with others in the community

I’m excited about our strategy, especially knowing that it was developed with insights from staff, donors, stakeholders, funders, partner agencies, data and evidence, and whānau/taumai voices.

Some other highlights over the last six months include providing 110 dental appointments to nearly 70 individuals, helping 80 taumai get photo ID, and supporting 40 people out of rough sleeping into shelter—almost 30 of those people moved into permanent housing.



We’ve also been out in the public a bit more to get our key messages out there. You might have seen us in the news speaking against the Move-On Orders, at our table at the Newtown Fair or CubaDupa, or perhaps you popped into our Open Day, joined us at Chess in the Park for Neighbours Month, or attended one of the many community group meetings we’ve presented at in the last few months.

The demand for services has not slowed down. This year, 180 new taumai have come through our doors seeking support. We’ve welcomed six new staff to DCM since January, and we’re in the process of recruiting more frontline workers to keep up with demand.

If you’ve been following DCM’s work for a while but have not yet taken the leap to become a financial supporter, perhaps you might consider partnering with us now. Your support will deliver critical services to whānau who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness in our community.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Natalia Cleland