Help Whānau Like Albert with Clean Clothes and Connection
Imagine facing the holidays without the comfort of a warm home, clean clothes, or a friendly face to talk to.
This is the reality for over 41,000 Kiwis experiencing homelessness this festive season, and for countless others struggling with hardship.
Most of us never expect to need a service like Orange Sky’s but with 1 in 100 people experiencing housing insecurities in Aotearoa, those struggling could be your neighbour, friend, colleague or simply someone passing by you on the street.
The causes of homelessness are often closer to home than many realise. An unexpected financial burden, a health crisis, or the end of a relationship can rapidly push individuals into difficult situations, and the festive season only makes this vulnerability harder with the focus on togetherness, which can increase feelings of isolation.
The recent release of 2023 Census statistics showed 112,496 people are experiencing severe housing deprivation across Aotearoa. An increase of 10% since 2018, this is one key indication of how more people are struggling just to get by. Many need help with the basic essentials like clean laundry and a warm shower.
Orange Sky’s mahi is simple, yet it makes a huge difference for those doing it tough. We can’t fix homelessness alone. But we can help ease the load by providing free laundry, warm showers and genuine kōrero in a safe space.
Every year, we operate more than 1,350 shifts across the motu, with a passionate team of over 300 volunteers committed to making a difference in our communities.
Whilst access to laundry and shower services is essential, it’s the conversations we share on our six orange chairs that have the greatest impact for those who use our services (who we call ‘friends’). With the support of your charitable donation, our volunteers can continue to be there for our friends, like Albert, throughout this holiday season.
When we talk about the 41,000 people experiencing homelessness, we’re not just talking about numbers—behind every statistic there’s a person with a story—someone’s parent, sibling, or friend – people in your community who need your support now more than ever.
Meet Albert. He represents many whānau facing tough realities. Every Wednesday, Albert looks forward to his local Orange Sky shift in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – it’s the highlight of his week. Without this service, the cost of using a laundromat would force him to make difficult choices.
Albert has faced his share of life’s challenges. Limited in what he can do because of disability, he relies on community services to ease some of his daily struggles.
For the past two years, Orange Sky’s free mobile laundry service has been a cornerstone of his week – not just for clean clothes, but for the human connection and kōrero he shares with volunteers and others using the service.
“Coming to get my laundry done by the Orange Sky team is the highlight of my week,” Albert says, his face lighting up as he speaks about the volunteers he now considers his friends.
“Everyone is really loving and caring. I look forward to my day out.”
John, a dedicated Orange Sky shift leader, speaks fondly of Albert and the unique bond they’ve developed over cups of tea and shared stories.
“We love chatting with Albert during his weekly visits. His big personality and laughter always brightens our day, and he reminds us why we do what we do. It’s not just about providing laundry services, it’s about creating a space where people feel connected, seen, heard, and cared for,” John explained.
Whether it’s sharing our message of hope and resilience, volunteering your time, or making a donation, your donation enables us to create spaces where people experiencing homelessness and hardship can restore some dignity—warm showers, clean clothes, and meaningful interactions that remind them they are not alone these holidays.
Albert’s story is just one of many that highlights the impact of Orange Sky’s services – not only in providing essentials like clean clothes and warm showers but also in fostering meaningful connections and bringing hope to those facing life’s toughest moments.
This Christmas, make a meaningful donation to help the people experiencing homelessness in New Zealand.
Your support provides more than just necessities; it gives hope.
Our Services
