Youth Housing 

Since 2024, the Visionwest Youth Housing for young wāhine, Whare Hiwa, has provided safe, stable accommodation and wraparound support for 25 wāhine, adding 11 over the past year. The service supports young women as they build confidence, wellbeing, independence, and stronger future pathways.

Demand remains high. Over the past year, 25 referrals were declined because there was no accommodation available, eligibility criteria were not met, risks were beyond the scope of the service, or referrals were for young parents, who currently sit outside the service criteria. This highlights the ongoing need for youth housing in West Auckland and the importance of appropriate options for young people with diverse needs.

A key focus this year has been supporting wāhine to grow practical life skills and confidence. Young women have taken part in volunteering opportunities at Visionwest events and supported front-facing services across the organisation, gaining work experience, building confidence in social and professional settings, and developing transferable skills. The team has also worked with internal Visionwest teams and external organisations to strengthen referral pathways and create opportunities that support each wāhine to move toward her goals.

Over the past year, six wāhine began study, three moved into work, and six moved out of Youth Housing, including returning to whānau, moving overseas, or securing rental accommodation. For 16- and 17-year-olds, support often includes connection with Visionwest’s Youth Services programme, where they are allocated a youth coach and receive help with MSD youth payments. Some wāhine participate in financial mentoring through Visionwest Money Mentors.

Wellbeing activities have helped strengthen connections within the whare, encouraged healthy relationships, and created a supportive environment where wāhine can grow alongside one another. When disengagement became a challenge for some, the team introduced a “getting back on track” plan with weekly one-on-one sessions to set and review achievable goals.

One of the most encouraging outcomes has been seeing wāhine in study remain motivated and committed, while building friendships and support networks that strengthen confidence, belonging, and community connection. Increased referrals from the Asian community have also highlighted the importance of culturally responsive support that upholds the mana of each young person.