More than a Coffee at Te Hāpai

In the courtyard at Te Hāpai (which means, "to lift up")

I was homeless and living in transitional housing when someone told me about DCM, and all the activities here. From the first time I came, I loved it. I was very shy before I started coming to Te Hāpai, but not anymore! Now, I’m cheeky and full of life. DCM has become my happy place and my second home, I love everyone here.

"It’s not just about the coffee; it’s about making new friends and learning new things."

I’ve attended the anger management classes that happen at Te Hāpai, and they were so helpful. I’ve learned a lot of tools that I can use, and now I know how to manage my emotions. I can calm down even if someone else is mad at me. I’ve seen the nurses at DCM too, and they helped me to get my booster shot, which I thought was so important. 

I used to always be lonely, but now, I have friends here. I love talking to the staff at DCM; they are like brothers and sisters, all working together to help people like me. I’m really a loving person but my dad passed away, and my mum has dementia, which has been really hard. It's one of the things that contributed to me being homeless for a while. I don’t think anyone should be homeless. I just wish everyone could be happy and warm, in a house. Now, as a Pacific Warden, I give people on the streets blankets and socks to try and help them. Sometimes, I wish I were a police officer too. Maybe in the next lifetime.

I think my heart and soul is here at DCM now! There are so many activities and friendly people. Thank God for the people who support this place and the staff who work here.

"DCM changed my life, and I’m happy because of it."