A South Auckland man has opened his home to give temporary accommodation to homeless families. He's one of many who have heeded the call from Te Puea Marae to help those in need.
Ihaka Rehu has opened up his home to house homeless families who are being sheltered at Te Puea Marae.
“I'm sitting here in my nice warm house, and there are people out there that's sleeping in their cars, just didn't feel right. So I felt like, I've got a spare room or a couple of rooms, and that I can go out there and help them.”
It's been a week since Te Puea Marae opened its doors, and help is pouring in from both Māori and non-Māori.
Marae chairman Hurimoana Dennis says more help is needed.
“Some families who have big homes, we really hope they can have an available room, two, three or four.”
So far, 53 families have received shelter from the marae. $4000 has been donated. Two big fridge-freezers have been donated by Fisher & Paykel.
Spark says it will pay the costs for a 0800 Te Puea number, which will be set up soon.
“At the moment, we are still waiting to hear from tribal leaders. However, I have met with the Māori King and Rāhui Papa who are both in support,” says Dennis.
The marae has called a meeting to take place here at 6pm tomorrow night and has invited community groups, tertiary educators, churches and boarding organisations to discuss how they can help provide temporary accommodation for the families.