Media release

Trentham Community House Charitable Trust forced to sell house

12 May 2015

The only community house in Upper Hutt that offers a broad range of services, activities and space for hire will be forced to close it’s doors.

The Trentham Community House Charitable Trust, formed in 2012 and driven by key community representatives, has walked alongside hundreds of families in their search for independence, stronger families and a safer neighbourhood. The trust and members of the Trentham community fundraised together to turn their dream into a reality, by purchasing a property situated just metres away from three local schools.

The area previously known for it’s social deprivation and crime, transformed with residents wanting to make positive change. The community house has been a tool for changing lives, educating and inspiring families and keeping one another safe.

“ We, the Trentham Community House Charitable Trust, will continue to play a key role in our community alongside the people of Upper Hutt. Unfortunately though, we’re unable to continue to meet the costs involved in keeping the house open. We’ve gained so much momentum over the last three years that the community will be at a loss if our services cease, so we’ll be talking with existing schools and community groups shortly, to determine how our work can continue” says trustee Jessica Setu.

The monthly count of 700-800 people walking through the doors, are welcomed by a Community Development Worker. Her wages are privately funded by a Wellington businessman and also with funds from Hutt Mana Charitable Trust and Department of Internal Affairs. The Community Development Worker ensures the smooth running of the facility. The doors unlock from 7.30am with the essential and desperately needed free breakfast for families before school. A typical day consists of cultural group meetings, sales through the Op Shop, Laughter Yoga, music and playgroups, appointments with social service providers, gardening in the community vegetable garden, access to the Community Constable, free hot lunches available to those in need, programmes run out of the house by other community groups, volunteering opportunities for work experience and connection to others.

Ms Setu states “ A lot of New Zealands thriving community houses, have a secure financial partnership with their local Council, which isn’t the case for us. We’ve worked incredibly hard to develop the Upper Hutt community and meet the gap that appears to be getting wider, but the reality is this isn’t bringing in enough funds. The loss of the house will be significant, it’s a warm facility that welcomes all ages and stages. Our trust is all about increasing resilience, it seems now that ours is being put to the test.”

The Trentham Community House, situated at 71 Merton Street in Trentham Upper Hutt, will be put on the market.

If you wish to make a donation to help save the Trentham Community House, please go to their Givealittle page https://givealittle.co.nz/org/communitytrenthamhouse

For more information on the Trentham Community House Charitable Trust, go to www.trenthamcommunityhouse.com or www.facebook.com/TrenthamCommunityHouse

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