The good folks at Hōhepa Canterbury are building amazing, light-filled, architecturally-designed homes to support people with intellectual disabilities living their best lives.

Hōhepa homes aren’t just places to live. They’re communities that help their residents flourish. The non-profit organisation is raising money to build two new projects: gorgeous homes designed to accentuate the rhythms of daily life and nature, to bring in natural light and ventilation, and generally be rockin’ places for twelve new residents to live.

Thanks to its supportive community and great reputation, Hōhepa is experiencing more and more demand, with a waiting list of people looking for a place to call home. That’s where you come in. Supporters can make an online donation toward the fitout of the new homes, funding homewares, beds and mobility aids. The Hōhepa Canterbury team need $2.2 million to finish the projects. Local trusts have already contributed $1 million, and between all of us in the local community, we can get them the rest of the way there.

Anna’s story

Anna Freeman is a master of languages, music and reading. She taught herself to speak German, Spanish, Māori and French – languages she loves to share with those around her. Anna, a Hohepa resident since 2014, says the supportive community has helped her learn, be comfortable and confident, and become independent. “It’s a lovely home, the best.”

Nearly every Saturday Anna can be found at the local library sharing one of her greatest loves with others, reading. “I sit down and read with the kids there,” says Anna. “I am an adult and being [at Hōhepa] has meant I can do things other young women do.”

donations.hohepacanterbury.com