As a superannuitant in rented accommodation, Albert finds things tough at times but support from Visionwest Whai Manaaki Kai has been a great help freeing up money to go towards essential living items.
“I’m not sure how long ago it was that I first came to Visionwest. My home healthcare Support Worker suggested it because I was finding things pretty tough financially. Right from the start it didn’t feel like I was someone asking for help, it felt like I was welcomed by friends.
A lot of people who face tough times do so because of one or two unexpected events that change their lives. For Albert, it was a health crisis that meant he had to give up working.
“Visionwest helped me so much when I needed it. Manaaki Kai, the social supermarket for example. If I went to the supermarket, even for the basics, it’s going to cost me $120.00. But I can do my shopping here for just $34. Other times I can go to the foodbank [Pātaka Kai] for an emergency top-up. Now they’re working with me to find a new home because the rental I’m in is being sold. I feel secure about that because Visionwest is helping.”
Albert also received help from Tracy, one of Visionwest’s financial mentors. He’s especially delighted that, while he had some credit card debt and other debt, it’s all been paid off, something he credits to guidance received from Money Mentors.
Through his challenges, Albert’s attitude is overwhelmingly positive. He helps others when he can. In the past, he’s restored items that could be of use to others and given them to Visionwest for passing on to whoever needs them. He’s also introduced at least two people who were experiencing homelessness to our Community Housing team. Albert says he does this because doing things for others is the only way he can show his appreciation for the help Visionwest has given him.
“I think Visionwest is the greatest thing that’s ever happened in New Zealand. There should be more organisations like this. I would say to anyone I met, whatever your need is, go to Visionwest and, if they can’t help you, they’ll know someone who can and will direct you to them.”