We welcomed Kelsey Cox back to Newmarket Rotary, Kelsi having been with us as an ambassadorial scholar in 2013. 
 
Since she was with us she has had a varied career including roles at Auckland Council, the Ministry for Women, and a Women's Refuge in Canada.
 
Kelsi was joined by Isaac Connell from the City Mission.
 
She is the General Manager of Practice and Innovation at the Auckland City Mission.
 
Kelsi reminded us of her background and her initial with Rotary as a youth exchange student, her ambassadorial scholarship in 2013 and her master's degree in international development from the University of Auckland.
 
While in Auckland she was involved in the digital learning project on Taveuni Island with Dave Birch and the late Jeff Amos. Kelsi expressed her gratitude for the support from Newmarket Rotary during her time in New Zealand.
 
Kelsi told us about her new role at the City Mission. She introduced Issac who lives in the Missons Home Ground appartments. She noted the work of the City Mission, focusing on food security and housing for people in Auckland.
 
She then told us about the Housing First model, which provides housing as a foundation for addressing other challenges like addiction and employment. Kelsi then talked about the unique aspect of Home Ground Apartments, which combines social housing and Housing First in one building. Her team is responsible for managing supportive housing for people with substance use and mental health challenges.
 
There are a number of services available at Home Ground, including a medical center, detox programs, and community programs. There is a rooftop garden, which is managed by volunteers and residents, and its role in providing fresh produce.  The building also houses a community space and a grocer that provides affordable food and work experience for residents.
 
The Mission provides an important service in Auckland which is fully funded by donations and not by the government.
 
Kelsi spoke about the challenges of funding food services, noting that the mission receives no government funding for this program.
 
She went on to comment about the impact of the mission's services, including the on site restaurant that serves nutritious meals to around 300 people daily.
 
Kelsi noted the Mission's work in providing access to food and other essential services for people in need.
 
The occupants of Home ground are diverse including those affected by natural disasters, domestic violence, and homelessness.
 
Kelsi then spoke more generally about the Mission which provides many services to the homeless and less well off in Auckland.
 
She noted that the mission is noted for its innovative trials, including a small grocer on Federal Street that promotes volunteer work and training for paid employment.  She told us that the Mission has established an accessible dentistry service has been launched, funded by a grant and staffed with volunteer dentists, providing free dental care to residents.
 
There is also a program where residents can pay forward groceries for others to access free fresh food.
 
In relation to housing the mission operates multiple housing sites, including long-term apartments on Day Street and transitional housing for women and hostels for short-term stays.
 
Scattered sites in the community are rented from private landlords, providing affordable housing options across Auckland.
 
The mission focuses on supporting people experiencing homelessness, including those sleeping rough in the downtown area.
 
Kelsi’s address generated a good number of questions from members present.
One question related to average tenancy duration. Kelsi told us that the missions 40 housing first units are fully occupied, with social housing at around 36-37 units. Transitional housing does not always run at full capacity and that people often leave due to inability to sustain their tenancy.
 
Kelsi then mentioned the challenges faced by tenants, such as hoarding and difficulty with basic household tasks like using taps due to lack of previous access to running water.  Significant work is undertaken to help tenants maintain their housing, including providing push taps to prevent flooding and working with tenants on behavioural challenges.
 
Kelsi was asked about the extent of rehabilitation into independent life. She told us that for the Mission is measured by tenants living well, engaging in activities, and avoiding prison.  Success is different for each person and may involve maintaining stability rather than achieving traditional employment.
 
Kelsi was also asked about the financial contributions made by tenants of the mission to rent.  She told us that everyone pays rent, which comes from their benefits.
The demand for Mission housing is high demand, with a waiting list and difficulty in finding people ready for stable housing.
 
On the down-side Kelsi told us about the challenges faced by staff, including dealing with anger and aggression from tenants who have had hard lives.  She did accept that there are sadly some people cannot be housed due to their severe mental health challenges or aggression.
 
It was great to see Kelsi again and hear her story.  It certainly gave each of us a better appreciation of the work of the Mission.