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Merge Community: Learning from the street

By 2 February 2021June 11th, 2021No Comments
Thanks to the support of J R McKenzie Trust, we’re proud to present this latest update from Merge Community: The kaupapa, approach, successes and challenges, and our learning about what it takes to support street whānau and tackle homelessness.

Riporipo kau ana, ka pōkarekare te wai.
The whirlpool we create, causes ripples.
Our experiences influence others.
– Whakatauki by Ken Kerehoma, Pou Manukura, Lifewise

Ngā mihi nui

Aroha and gratitude to all who contributed to this story and to all those who are part of Merge Community, from the past to the present. Special thanks and gratitude to J R McKenzie Trust, who have believed in us and been our main funder since 2018.
There are so many who have contributed to the foundations and spirit of Merge Community.

Special thanks to our peer support volunteers’, Merge Café, our Lifewise team and to past Lifewise anchors of Merge Community. You know who you are, you are in our hearts, you have touched us and left your imprint and wisdom in Merge.

This story was authored by Rachael Trotman (www.weavingchange.nz), by reviewing Merge documentation and talking with peer support volunteers and Lifewise staff. Thanks to Lisa Kane from Mind and Body (www.mindandbody.co.nz) for facilitating discussion with peer support volunteers. While this is not a formal evaluation of Merge Community, it is evidence-informed.