The YMCA Rough Sleeping Shelter – Te Whare o Tapatahi Fund

i haumaru, he wāhi aroha – a place of safety and kindness

Te Whare o Tapatahi is a transformative community initiative led by YMCA Taranaki, supporting men experiencing homelessness in New Plymouth. Located on Lemon Street, the whare provides a safe, structured, and welcoming environment for rough sleepers, grounded in dignity, care, and connection.

More than a shelter, Te Whare o Tapatahi means “house of integrity.” It is a place where some of our most vulnerable tāne are supported to rest, reconnect, and begin rebuilding their lives within a respectful and secure setting.

Community Partnership

Te Whare o Tapatahi is a collaborative, community-led response to rough sleeping. Partners include YMCA Taranaki, New Plymouth District Council, Toi Foundation, Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, Taranaki Foundation, and the wider community.

Taranaki Foundation, in a supporting role, provides philanthropic expertise and infrastructure, serving as a trusted and credible channel for funds raised.

About the Project

Te Whare o Tapatahi provides overnight accommodation for men, alongside essential services including meals, showers, laundry, and support to connect with housing, health, and social services.

The facility is professionally managed by experienced support workers, with support from volunteers and security staff. Safety is a priority, with CCTV monitoring and a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, ensuring the whare remains a safe and supportive space for all.

On 24 September, the accommodation component of the project opened, with capacity for up to 18 men per night.

Project Update

Since opening, Te Whare o Tapatahi has continued to grow in response to community need:

• Operating four nights per week, up from three, with a goal of seven nights per week by year end (subject to funding).
• Providing 18–22 evening meals per night, plus kai delivered to an additional 5–6 individuals unable to access the shelter.
• Overnight accommodation for 12–14 men per night.
• More than 150 individuals have engaged with the service since opening.

Support is flexible and person-centred, ranging from overnight accommodation and practical assistance through to access to essential facilities and connection with longer-term housing, health, and social supports.

Outreach services are also expanding, including:

• A Saturday wellbeing outreach programme at Rangiatea, Spotswood.
• Half-day outreach sessions operating from the shelter on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Many who use the service speak highly of the genuine kindness, consistency, and authenticity of the staff, describing Te Whare o Tapatahi as a safe place to connect, rest, and recuperate.

Photos above are from inside Te Whare o Tapatahi

For more information about Te Whare o Tapatahi, please contact:

✉️ [email protected]

📄 Download the Te Whare o Tapatahi information sheet

Related reading:

• A night at a New Plymouth booming homelessness shelter — RNZ