I wanted to share a recent case with you that touched our hearts and perfectly captures why the Re-Source charity exists.
Like our supporters, we believe everyone deserves a safe and healthy home. Not just a roof over their heads, but a space where children can play safely, where families can feel secure and where hope can take root. A home isn’t just about bricks and walls—it’s about dignity, health and the chance to thrive.
Sometimes, creating a home starts with something as basic as a warm floor.
Recently, we received a referral for a family sleeping in a garage with a bare, concrete floor. While this story is all too common, this particular case was made more urgent by a child having heart disease. Under any circumstances this would be a priority case but with winter so close there was no time to waste.
Thanks to social workers at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s Healthy Homes Initiative who identified this family, and Hutchinson’s in Hastings who went the extra mile to make the resources available, we were able to get carpet to the family the very same day.
With limited surplus in the community, referrals from front line workers help us rehome donations where they will have maximum impact.
This is where Re-Source works, at the heart of the need.
“The Child Healthy Housing team supports families to live in warm, dry homes. The program is part of the wider Healthy Homes Initiative which aims to reduce preventable illness among low-income families/whānau who are living in cold, damp and unhealthy homes.
Re-Source regularly provides us with the resources we need to help achieve this.
The Child Healthy Housing Program received a referral to support a whānau whose child had recently been diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Along with our other interventions, Re-Source provided us with some carpet to use in the space where the children are sleeping and some draught snakes made by their wonderful volunteers.
Through the Healthy Homes Initiative, we’re seeing real results—fewer hospital visits, fewer school absences, and healthier, happier kids. And because Re-Source can move quickly, we can make sure families get the support they need now, when they need it most.”
Robyn Elms
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s Healthy Homes Initiative
5 Year Outcomes Evaluation - Nov 2024
That's not just about saving money, although the return on investment is huge; it's about healthier kids, brighter futures, and stronger communities.
How can you be a part of this?
This isn't just our story; it's our community's story and we need you to help us write the next chapter.
Do you have items to donate? Are you moving house or downsizing? Do you have an overflowing linen cupboard? Household items you no longer need? They can make a huge difference to a family in need. Find out how to donate here.
Become a sponsor: Help us meet the cost of deliveries and collections and be a part of every Re-Source story.
Spread the word! Tell your friends, your family, your neighbours! Share this post, talk about Re-Source and the Healthy Homes Initiative. Let people know that help is available, and that there's a way to give back in a meaningful way.
Volunteer your time: We're always looking for passionate people to join our team. A few hours a week can make a big impact. Find out about volunteer opportunities here.
Need a hand yourself? Or know someone who does? Healthy Homes Initiative is taking referrals now. Winter's coming, and it's so important to make sure your home is warm and healthy. Don't hesitate to reach out – they're there to help!
It's all about connection. About recognising we're all in this together and that acts of kindness can ripple outwards to create real, lasting change.
Please join us. Together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable Hawke’s Bay - one home at a time.
Thank you for reading,
Nadine and the Re-Source Team