John is 1 of 41,600*
*That’s the number of Kiwis experiencing homelessness last Census night. It’s probably even higher now.
John currently lives in his car – but he doesn’t let that take his dignity or compassion for others away. Like a lot of Kiwis, he’s the resilient sort. He says, “I can survive. I can survive anywhere.”
After hearing about Orange Sky in 2019, John is now a regular at one of our Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) shifts where he’s well known for being a snappy dresser, and folding his laundry with military precision. Something he’s continued after his time in the military as a chef.
But John’s visits to Orange Sky became a bit more than just the soap and hot water. Living in his car can be quite isolating but each week he looks forward to a chat and having someone to share his news with. John said, “They think I’m a bit of a character. I like sharing with them what I've been doing”
He’s the compassionate sort too. As an active member of his community and local church, John is always pitching in to help others through volunteering and simple acts of kindness. Despite having so little for himself, he still gives so much.
Please dig deep and help care for John and all the people who’ll need kindness and human connection over the next few months – and into next year.
Photo above: Our friend John (right) and Orange Sky volunteer Adam (left) are standing in front of one of our mobile laundry vans.
You can help other people like John who are doing it tough
A new service in Te Matau-a-Maui
Orange Sky will be launching a new laundry van in Hawke’s Bay. This will be our sixth van and the first for the region. There is a supportive network for an Orange Sky service to join and fill the evident gap for free laundry facilities in Te Matau-a-Maui (Hawke's Bay).
Your kind gift today can help get us there to support not only Hawke's Bay but also the surrounding areas.
Our first pod for Aotearoa
We will be launching a new asset type for
Aotearoa called a laundry pod. Your help will support this new community in South Auckland.
Pods are fully self-contained, and consist
of two washing machines, two dryers and
six orange chairs, all housed inside a
portable shell.
We're expanding our reach into Porirua
Some of Aotearoa's poorest suburbs including Waitangirua and Cannons Creek are located in Porirua.
There are deep pockets of deprivation, community-led collaboration with Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira and other local service providers, will provide volunteers to support a minimum of two days a week in Porirua and surrounds.
Sometimes, a fresh start beings with fresh laundry
We’re all feeling the increased cost of living in our own way, but for our friends experiencing homelessness or hardship – it’s getting worse.
It’s not just the numbers of people affected by the crisis that get us. It’s the heartbreak in the stories our friends share with us. In stories like John's.
The next few months will be especially hard for people who are experiencing homelessness or hardship. But, you and Orange Sky can make a difference.
We can provide friends with a warm shower, clean fresh clothes, and the knowledge that someone cares about them.
Clean laundry is what brings people to Orange Sky – but connection is what makes this a life-changing service.
There’s no good time of year to be experiencing homelessness.
When you’re experiencing homelessness and hardship, all that tinsel and togetherness can be a reminder of things that are out of reach right now, like a safe place to call home and connection with whānau and friends.
Orange Sky is a simple service and we can’t fix homelessness alone. But fresh laundry, a shower and a warm and friendly chat can make a huge difference for someone doing it tough. When you support Orange Sky, you’re telling someone that you care. You help them in a really direct and human way.
Please dig deep and help care for all the people who’ll need kindness and human connection over the holidays and into the new year.
Lucas
Orange Sky Co-Founder & CEO
