Ending and Alleviating Homelessness in Kirikiriroa

For years, Te Whare Korowai Tāngata o Kirikiriroa has been supporting Hamilton whānau experiencing homelessness.Now, Te Rito Awhi is a new daytime hub, providing a safe space to rest, eat, shower, and access the services people need to alleviate and ultimately end homelessness. Hear the voices of staff and those with lived experience sharing how trust, care, and community-led support are changing lives. Hamilton’s homelessness crisis requires both long-term support and innovative solutions.For many years, Te Whare Korowai Tāngata o Kirikiriroa has provided emergency and transitional housing, helping whānau rebuild their lives with dignity, trauma-informed care, and wraparound support. Their mahi has been a foundation of trust and stability for countless people.In response to rising street homelessness, Te Rito Awhi was created as a daytime hub — a safe, welcoming space where people can rest, eat, shower, and access social work, mental health, housing navigation, and other essential services. Trusted and respected by the street community, Te Rito Awhi helps alleviate and ultimately work toward ending homelessness, restoring dignity, and guide whānau on their journey to sustainable housing.This video features the voices of staff and people with lived experience, sharing the realities of homelessness, the impact of trauma, and the power of walking beside whānau to create meaningful change.While additional funding and support are urgently needed, these innovative services benefit everyone — making streets safer, fostering community trust, and creating pathways for whānau to flourish.