This month, the Community House was more than a service hub. It was a kitchen table for connection, a warm space in the colder weather, and a safety net for people doing it tough.
From shared meals and holiday activities for youth, to practical support for whānau facing homelessness, we saw the community in action every single day. Volunteers, partner agencies and residents worked side by side to make sure no one was turned away hungry, cold or alone.
This report captures the mahi, the heart and the impact behind every cuppa, car ride and conversation this month.
Food Bank
Service Demand & Community Impact
Provided food support to 41 households, assisting 118 community members during April.
Our food bank has experienced a significant increase in usage, including a marked rise in support requests from people experiencing homelessness.
Client Support
Assess needs, pack parcels, provide mana-enhancing service.
Stock Management
Receive donations, sort bulk items, rotate stock, manage freezers, coordinate with donors, monitor shortages.
Facilities & Hygiene
Maintain food safety and ensure safe food standards are met.
Driving Services
Completed 19 trips for community members for medical, WINZ, and other appointments.
Assisted local community members with transport for shopping and errands.
Provided transport for community members to attend Who Cares House.
Vehicle upkeep.
Washed car and van, interior and exterior.
Maintained vehicles to ensure safe, reliable transport for community use.
Volunteer Drivers – Thank You & Call for Support
Our volunteer drivers are the quiet engine behind so much of the Community House mahi. This month alone, they completed 19 trips for medical and WINZ appointments, helped whānau get groceries and made sure no one was stranded after a visit to the House. Their time, aroha and safe driving keep our community connected and supported. We are deeply grateful for every kilometer they’ve given. As demand for transport keeps growing, we’re also putting the call out for more volunteer drivers. If you can spare a few hours and hold a full license, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be joining a team that makes a real difference, one ride at a time.
Community Connections
Agencies Using Community House
- Rise– Provided client support and advocacy services
- Pact Emma– Delivered budgeting support and financial guidance.
- Poutini Waiora – Offered whānau ora and health services.
- Men’s Group-Facilitated peer support sessions.
- IRD– Assisted community members with tax and benefit queries.
- PHO – Ran a winter wellness day and provided primary health outreach.
Facilities Support
- Maintained and cleaned dedicated office space for partner agency use
- Facilitated bookings and access to ensure agencies could meet clients safely on site.
Social Connection & Wellbeing Activities
- Mahjong: Hosted regular Mahjong sessions, providing mental stimulation and social connection for participants.
- Recreation & Cognitive Health: Facilitated card games and quiz activities, supporting memory, problem-solving and companionship.
- Family-Friendly Spaces: Maintained a safe playground and indoor playroom for parents and children, enabling whānau to access support services while tamariki engage in play.
- Garden Engagement: Encouraged use of the garden space for relaxation and informal gatherings, promoting mental wellbeing and connection to nature.
- Health & Social Benefits: These activities and facilities reduce social isolation, support cognitive health, encourage positive parenting interactions and contribute to overall well-being.
Digital Access & Community Navigation Support
- Office Services: Provided printing, scanning, and photocopying for community members to complete forms, CVs and essential documentation.
- Computer Access: Maintained public-use computers and internet, enabling whānau to access My MSD, job applications, housing sites and online services.
- Information & Resources: Supplied resources and staff support to connect community members with wider support networks and services.
- Referral Pathways: Assessed individual needs and provided referrals to relevant organizations including health, budgeting, housing and WINZ support.
- Outreach Impact The Community House office functions as a vital first point of contact, bridging digital divides and linking people to the help they need.
House Facilitators
Joanne Ross
Melanie Koti
Who Cares Community House
14 Mace Street Reefton
03 732 8631
Open 10am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday
