Wāhine (Women's) Support

The prevalence of wāhine experiencing homelessness is often hard to capture and can be less visible to the public. 

People experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected by mental illness, substance abuse and chronic diseases. Women experiencing homelessness often also have further specific needs and experiences. This can include being involved in family violence,trauma, and/or having primary responsibility for children. 

The effects of homelessness on wāhine can also flow through to children and wider whānau and may be caused or exacerbated by the gendered nature of parenthood.

Every day, we welcome wāhine to use our services, and we recognise the importance of providing security and care for our wāhine whānau.

As a result, we are trialing a wāhine-only shift at our internal laundromat located in Auckland City Mission’s HomeGround building. The secure, internal space and safe showers contribute to their sense of safety. 

These shifts will be managed by a female-only volunteer team to ensure wāhine feel safe, protected, and comfortable while using our services.

Approximately 20,859, or 50.5%m of women total severely housing-deprived.

We want to be recognised as a safe space for wahine facing challenges to access free laundry services and to connect with others in a way that uplifts their wairua.