Trust isn't built in a day. It's built shift by shift.  

Over 112,000 people navigate homelessness and hardship in Aotearoa (Census 2023). For many people doing it tough, the circumstances of hardship make genuine connection difficult to find. Orange Sky works towards ensuring no one has to face hardship in isolation.

By showing up consistently, we offer a safe, pressure-free environment for genuine kōrero (conversation). These everyday connections help remove the shame of asking for help, bringing relief and linking friends and whānau to vital community support.

With rising costs pushing more Kiwi into difficult situations, your support ensures we can be there to build connection, trust, and community.

"I didn't really want anybody to know what I was going through, so rather than seek out services or friends to help, I just lived in my car... At that time there, were not a lot of services."

Vanessa, Orange Sky Tūao (Volunteer)

When Vanessa left home abruptly for her own safety, she navigated hardship while living in her car. She knows firsthand how isolating it can be to experience homelessness, and understands the impact that connection can have for friends and whānau doing it tough.

Looking back, Vanessa says she "absolutely" would have used Orange Sky’s free mobile laundry and shower services had they been available to her during that time.

"That human sort of feeling again after having a shower or putting on some clean clothes—like it's a tiny little thing to most people, but it's such a dramatic thing to someone that doesn't have that."

When Vanessa discovered Orange Sky Aotearoa, she knew it was her chance to give back and uplift others in her community. For the past year and a half, she has been on shift as a tūao (volunteer) in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. 

Whether helping a solo parent save on laundry costs so they can afford a doctor’s visit, or sitting down for a weekly catch up with friends and whānau, she sees the real power of judgement-free connection every single week.

An Orange Sky shift is a pressure-free space where anyone can show up exactly as they are. By providing free laundry and warm showers, we ease the financial strain—helping friends save money for basic necessities like petrol or a doctor’s visit.

More importantly, sitting down on our chairs opens the door for genuine, non-judgmental kōrero (conversation). Over time, that regular connection builds trust, helps to remove the shame of asking for support and allows us to connect friends and whānau to other community services that they might need access to. A more connected community leads to better outcomes for everyone.

“I think the biggest impact is removing the shame of asking for help. If someone can get a load of washing done and a shower, they might feel more inclined to connect with other wraparound support services.”

No barriers, just support. 

An Orange Sky shift is a pressure-free space where anyone can show up exactly as they are. By providing free laundry and warm showers, we ease the financial strain—helping friends save money for basic necessities like petrol or a doctor’s visit.

Nga mihi nui, thank you for all your support

This World Homeless Day, we want to express our heartfelt thank you for helping to build a caring community for those doing it tough in Aotearoa. Your support truly makes an impact, and we couldn’t do it without you.