Deena’s Story

Deena returned to New Zealand after spending a few years in Australia. She struggled to find a suitable home for herself, her daughter, and her dog. When she did finally find a flat it flooded while she was in hospital which sadly led her to becoming homeless. She was referred to a supporting agency called Link People to help her find housing, the collaboration between Dwell and Link People meant that Deena was able to be offered the last unit available in the newest Dwell housing development at the time. 

Deena feels settled in her Dwell apartment that she has called home since 2019. Previously, she’d not stayed long-term at the places she’d lived, but she now feels settled and content in her home.  

Having a secure home and trust in her landlord enabled Deena to feel empowered to focus on her recovery, and it provided an opportunity for her to seek help from friends and others to manage her well-being in the face of various life challenges and internal struggles.  

Her stable home has also allowed her a space to reconnect with her whānau and have her grandchildren come and hang out. It’s connected her to her neighbours, who look out for each other and make her feel part of the wider community. 

‘I use all the local facilities, including the pools. I've got a nice group of friends that I meet down there. We chat and say hello to each other in the street. And because of that, I feel like I'm really  part of the community and that I belong.’