1552 days ago

Mobile shower service for homeless doubles efforts in pandemic

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Auckland Stuff

A free mobile shower and laundry service for homeless people has expanded its efforts in response to rising demand in the pandemic.

Orange Sky launched its second van in Auckland this week.

Operations manager Eddie Uini said the demand for services doubled during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Before Covid hit our first van was doing nine shifts a week, once we got to level 2 we were doing 17 shifts a week with our first van,” he said.

“That’s pretty much our maximum capacity, and we were still getting emails from places further south, out west and on the North Shore.”

The new van will operate in Manurewa, Papakura, Glen Eden and Auckland CBD.

It will allow Orange Sky to increase its availability from 17 to 25 shifts a week.

Uini said a lot of families have starting using Orange Sky’s services in Manurewa, Papakura and Onehunga.

“If they can save another 20 or 30 dollars at the laundromat, that’s another 20 or 30 dollars for food on the table,” he said.

Orange Sky wants locals to name the new van in honour of a local hero who’s helped make a difference in the community.

Comment below your idea for what the new van should be called.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60% Complete
  • 25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.7% Complete
  • 14.3% ... It is complicated
    14.3% Complete
999 votes
3 hours ago

Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟

While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.

We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?

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Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
  • 83.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
    83.3% Complete
  • 16.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
    16.7% Complete
12 votes
6 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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