A new hub for Nelson’s homeless is expected to be up and running in a few months. The Male Room director, Philip Chapman, said the daytime shelter, called Whare Haumanu, was a “fantastic effort” from many people and organisations.
Published on Stuff
Whare Haumanu will be a 35 square metre building with a shower, toilet, laundry and kitchen facilities, a dining area, and a supervisor’s office. It will be open during the day on weekdays and members of the homeless community will have the chance to work in its kitchen.
Chapman said the efforts of the Rotary clubs of Nelson had been crucial for the project, making connections in the community and getting donations of time, expertise and money towards the build.
“We never would have managed without them. It is a really great community effort.”
Chapman said the homeless community had been asked for input into what they wanted to get out of the hub.
“It’s not us deciding what they want, it’s their space. What we’ve got to dip into is what skills they have, because to live on the streets you need skills. I wouldn’t last, but they do. They look after each other.”
The new service centre is expected to be up and running in March next year.
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Published November 6, 2020
