Back to school from a home they call their own

Leah walked through the Monte Cecilia West office doors in November 2018 seeking help for her and her family. Her family is made up of herself, her husband and their four beautiful children all under the age of 12.

Leah and her family had been living with her brother, his wife and their children in their 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Housing New Zealand house since December 2017. There were a total of 11 people sharing this house, which was in breach of Leah’s brother’s tenancy agreement with Housing New Zealand.

The family slept on the floor of the lounge as they were not able to afford mattresses. Things had become desperate when the tensions between the two families ran high and fighting broke out. Thus, Leah felt it was best for her and her family to find help into suitable and sustainable housing through Monte Cecilia’s support. Monte Cecilia was able to house them temporarily in our transitional houses just around the corner from their extended family. Leah reported much better sleep as she was now able to sleep in her own bed and not on the hard floor she had never grown used to over the past year.

Within two or three weeks of the family living in Monte Cecilia’s transitional housing, the family was offered a Housing New Zealand house that gave the family the hope and stability that they needed restored so desperately. The family have recently moved in to their new home and the children will be starting back at school shortly, feeling very happy to be with each other in a home they can call their own.