Tom's story

Methodist Mission Northern’s work with homeless people is not limited to supporting only the long-term homeless. Tom’s story illustrates how the team’s work can be a timely prevention for someone at risk of slipping into homelessness.

Tom (not his real name) recently arrived at the Mission’s inner city centre for homeless people unshaven, tired and without a place to sleep. After several nights on the streets, he was looking for a safe, warm place where he could get a meal. He had been forced to leave his young family after financial and relationship problems. Tom was devastated, desperate and isolated.

The team directed him to the Auckland Night Shelter where he could get a dry, warm bed each night. He shaved, showered and ate three good meals a day at Methodist Mission Nothern’s community centre. Between meal times he ventured out and slowly over the course of a few days he regained his strength and confidence.

With assistance he finally received his overdue financial support. His partner, learning of his location, rang the Mission and made contact with Tom. He is now home again. A simple conclusion but it could have been so different had Tom not been directed to this Mission as a place where he could get help.

For more information about our work supporting homeless people and those on the margins of society click here.

Note - The Auckland Night Shelter was originally a service of this Mission. Today it is an independent trust supported by a range of agencies including Methodist Mission Northern.