Gaby

An example of the difference Dwell makes to people's lives and how we work in partnership with other organisations.
Gabby and her family have been in a Dwell home since August 2018 and couldn’t be more happy.

It has been a long journey – and an answer to prayers – from the Housing NZ cul-de-sac in West Auckland where she grew up, to her new Dwell home. “A place for my children to have their own space to grow into who they are meant to be, a home close to shops, doctors, and a school they can thrive at,” are the things she prayed for. It’s clear to see that all this has been delivered – and more.

Her new Dwell house is completely different from the boarding house off Manners Street, the motel in Upper Hutt, and the Salvation Army temporary rental. Ever since leaving Auckland for Sydney because of her mother’s early onset dementia caused by a brain tumour, she has been bounced around a bit. But during all the years of looking for stability, one thing remained constant: Gabby’s “mama bear” love and protection of her children and her gracious support of those around her. Just like that shown to her by her own mother.

The embroidered floral screen that used to divide the one bedroom of the boarding house – so that her girl and her boy could each have their own space, while she slept in the living room – now takes pride of place in her own living room. Her Dwell home is a secure place for as long as she needs it.

The health of one of her children and her inability to afford the medical expenses brought her back from Sydney. After housing fell through, she found her way to a boarding house. Early on, she created a whānau with the other boarders staying there, making the best of it by feeding, advising, and caring for the diverse residents. Now in her new home, she has a new set of neighbours to look after and she welcomes the opportunity to create her mama magic.

Her children have settled into a Wellington school where they are well loved and achieving. Settling into their new house took a bit longer because none of them could believe it was really their home.

“It’s so pretty, I can’t get over how pretty it is. My son had a hard time, always thinking, ‘Nah, this isn’t ours, it’s too good for us. When do we have to leave?’”

Gabby and her children can now focus on all the other wonderful things in store for them. We hope these include more of her daughter’s piano music (she played beautifully for us at a Dwell tenant gathering), more prizes in shotput and javelin for her son, and her own future pursuing new work as a peer support worker – a job suited to all her strengths.

Dwell works alongside Kahungunu Whānau Services who support Gabby and her family.