What difference can a safe, stable home really make?

Before moving in they spent nearly two years moving between marae, crowded family homes, a vehicle and emergency housing.

Lisa can already see the difference a stable home has made for her and her daughter.

"A lot has happened in the year we have been in our home,"

"It's been amazing. The amount of generosity and love that's been shown towards me since I moved in has been awesome and quite touching, actually." says Lisa.

The stability of a permanent home has had a significant impact on her youngest daughter. "Since we moved in here, she's thriving," says Lisa.

“She got some awards at school, for Te Reo and for netball, which I put down to us being housed. Now we have a proper roof over our head we can have a consistent routine. Yeah, and she loves it here too.”

For Lisa, the impact of having a secure home extends well beyond her own front door.

She has quickly become part of the community, connecting with neighbours and supporting young mums.

"I always go and introduce myself to people when they move in," she says.

“I go for walk around the streets every day, saying hello to everybody. I enjoy walking with some of the young mums in the neighbourhood. I try and inspire them to upskill themselves and share things I learned with my babies. Most of the children around here, call me Grandma.”

Living close to the beach, local schools, her children and mokopuna has helped Lisa feel part of a supportive community where people look out for each other.

With the security of housing no longer a daily concern, Lisa has also been able to focus on her own future. A former teacher, she is exploring opportunities to support children with additional needs while continuing to invest time in her community.

She has transformed her garden, shares seeds with neighbours and dreams of creating a community māra kai where local families can grow vegetables together.

Above all, Lisa says having a place to call home has given her and her daughter the chance to put down roots, connect with their community and look forward to what comes next.

"I love it here," she says. "It's home."