DCM Wellington

As 2024 comes to an end, we want to say ngā mihi (thank you) to our wonderful supporters, volunteers, staff, friends, and the inspiring and resilient whānau we stand alongside. By uplifting the most marginalised with care, compassion, and respect, we’re helping to make Wellington stronger, together. A very special shout-out to our amazing staff. Thank you for your aroha, dedication, and hard work. You are the heart of this mahi, showing up every day to advocate for change and offer hope to those who need it most. “Mā te mahi tahi tatou ka ora” When we work as one, we all benefit.

Thank you to our friends at Rapid Relief Team (RRT) New Zealand for their generous donation of hygiene kits. For people experiencing homelessness or living on a low income, having access to hygiene and period products provides dignity and helps meet a basic need that most of us take for granted. These kits will make a real difference for our whānau 🧡

For many of the people we support, the holidays are not a time of joy and celebration. Instead, they face challenges most of us can’t imagine like homelessness, hunger, and isolation. At DCM, we stand alongside Wellington’s most marginalised and provide care, compassion, and a place to turn when there’s nowhere else to go. From food and healthcare to housing and hope, every day we work to create a better future for the people we walk with. But we can’t do it alone. As a small charity, we rely on the generosity of people like you. This holiday season, your support can make a real difference for those who need it most. Together, we can continue this important mahi and build a more compassionate Wellington, where everyone has the chance to thrive. To support our work, www.dcm.org.nz/support-dcm. Thank you, Wellington, for standing with us. 🧡

A huge thank you to the team at Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission for organising a Christmas food drive to support our whānau. We are so grateful for your support!

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect not just on the "why" of our organisation but also on the "why" of our kaimahi (staff) and the commitment they bring to their work every single day. Their why, their aroha, and their passion are poured into everything they do, shaping not only the culture of DCM but also the positive impact we make in Wellington. Here’s what a few of our kaimahi had to say when we asked, "What’s your why?"

"I know that everyone here walks by my side, not in front of me or behind me and that keeps me grounded, even when things are hard." Our wraparound services go beyond housing and healthcare! Read more about Te Hāpai, Te Awatea and our Men’s Group (Cool and Calm) and how it helped one whānau member find healing in community. https://lnkd.in/gn5KUVqB

At DCM, we stand alongside Wellington’s most marginalised; the people who have nowhere else to turn.    But we can’t do this alone.   As a smaller charity, we don’t receive the same level of support as larger organisations, and yet the need in our community is greater than ever. That’s why we’re asking you to join us this Christmas. Together, we can make sure that our most vulnerable neighbours never face their struggles alone.   How you can help: 💙 Make a financial donation to ensure we can keep providing our essential wraparound services. 🍎 Organise a food drive in your workplace or community to fill our food bank shelves and the stomachs of those we support.   Every dollar, every tin of food, every effort counts. We believe that Wellington thrives when we uplift its most marginalised with compassion, care, and respect.   Let’s come together to create holidays full of hope and support for everyone in our city. You can follow this link to make a donation: https://lnkd.in/gazPqVAH If you have questions about hosting a food drive, email us at donate@dcm.org.nz

DCM’s Toro Atu (Outreach) team is not just unique in Wellington, it’s irreplaceable. Our kaimahi's (staff) expertise in assertive outreach and their dedication to proactively seek out and connect with people who are rough sleeping sets DCM apart.   “Assertive outreach means meeting people on their terms and on their turf. We respect their boundaries, even if they aren't ready to engage. The assertive part is returning consistently and building trust, rather than labelling someone as the problem. We reflect on what barriers they might be facing and adjust our support to fit their needs."   Check out this month's newsletter to read more about our Outreach team and why it is such an important service for Wellington. https://lnkd.in/dCcZxkdi

Christmas has well and truly arrived at DCM, and we’re hugely grateful to Rapid Relief Team (RRT) New Zealand for their generous donation of 24 special holiday food boxes. For many of the people we see, this time of year can be so tough, but these food boxes will help bring some light to their holidays. RRT, thank you for your kindness! 🧡

A huge thank you to the Animal Orthopedics team for bringing their incredible 'Street Tails' initiative to Wellington yesterday!    Our whānau's pets are well loved, but sometimes the cost of vet care can be a barrier. This incredible group, along with the support of HUHA, were able to provide services such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, general health checks, and home visits as well as organising desexing and lump removals - all free of charge.    To top it off, they baked delicious human snacks and gifted our whānau with goodie bags that contained leads, harnesses, beds, treats, and food for their fur babies.    We can't thank you enough! 🧡