The following applications were approved by Trustees in the December 2021 meeting under He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora - Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Framework.
The Oasis Homeless Shelter (OHS) will receive $15,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti to provide temporary housing and support for homeless people in Gisborne.
It is one of seven distributions approved by the Trust this month, totalling just over $54,000.
Not-for-profit organisation, the Gisborne New Life Fellowship Trust established the shelter to help accommodate homeless people in Gisborne during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
It continues to operate as the only shelter in Tairāwhiti for homeless men who are not eligible for emergency or social housing due to complex issues around addiction and mental health.
As well as providing the men with a safe place to sleep, the OHS delivers a tailored pastoral care programme. The Trust funding will enable the OHS to increase their capacity from 15 to 25 beds and to buy new whiteware so residents can wash and dry their own laundry.
The Gisborne Riding for Disabled Association (GRDA) was another key recipient this month, receiving $10,000 towards its operational costs. The RDA provides specialised therapeutic horse riding through a range of tailored programmes for people living with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.
Stroke Tairāwhiti Incorporated will also receive a $10,000 distribution towards its operational costs in supporting all stroke survivors and their whānau, friends and carers. The team provides rehabilitation programs, information, advice, education and advocacy services throughout the Tairāwhiti region.
The Trust supported the Chardonnay Affair series of events planned for May next year, with $10,000 for marketing and event support. The events are held on the week of International Chardonnay Day with the aim to showcase Gisborne as a wine region and attract visitors from around the country to enjoy local wine and cuisine.
Several other community groups were supported in the December funding round.
All recipients demonstrated strong alignments with muka (outcomes) of the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora.
For dates of the Trust’s next funding rounds opening in 2022, click here.