A former backpackers on Heuheu St has been converted into a shelter and is able to house over 40 women and children in 11 rooms.
Tiny and Lynley Deane are the founders of Visions of a Helping Hand Charitable Trust in Rotorua and are behind the Taupō shelter. Turangi is next on the cards, with the aim of opening another former backpackers within the next few weeks.
Along with the new women’s shelter, Tiny and Lynley will be working towards making a men’s shelter. They plan to purchase a piece of land and provide caravans and portaloos.
A drop-in centre is also soon to open in Taupō which will be a seven-day service, where the men can shower, use the toilet and do their laundry. Tiny said the drop-in centre would be there to help the homeless, but also those that struggle to feed their families when it comes to the end of the pay week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available.
“It’s not just about putting a roof over their heads, it is about support when they leave here [the shelter],” Lynley said.
For more on this story, check out the Taupo Times on Stuff.co.nz.
