Finding a healthy place for her children

Lucy and her family came to Auckland from Kerikeri, living in a damp transitional boarding house with mold growing on the walls.  At that time Lucy had three children and was heavily pregnant with her fourth child.

Looking after her family’s welfare, Lucy moved into a sublet rental property, however with her husband unable to work due to being on a partnership visa, they could not afford to pay the rent and they were soon back in a transitional housing facility with only a single bedroom – definitely not large enough for two adults and three children.

Lucy got in touch with Monte Cecilia Housing Trust, who were able to help her with a transitional house in Mangere. While living there she gave birth to her fourth child. While staying with Monte Cecilia, the Monte team worked with KiwiHarvest and foodbanks to provide support packs including baby formula, nappies, baby clothes and other necessities. 

Monte staff members worked with Lucy weekly, planning out how to raise her housing rating with Kainga Ora. While working on this, Lucy has also been studying level 3 home care to be a support worker and earn a living. She also completed the F.A.I.T.H. Money Programme, which she says helper her.

Lucy has since been offered a larger house for her growing family, and is elated with the news, explaining “I am extremely happy and ever-grateful to Monte. I cannot explain in words how grateful I am.”