Earlier this month, HomeGround tenants threw a party to celebrate the first year of tenancies.

There were banners and balloons, music playing, and some delicious kai prepared by the community – a cauldron of beef stew, and chocolate brownie with raspberry coulis and whipped cream.

Happily, the rain held off exactly long enough for everyone to eat in the beautiful, rooftop garden. What a great atmosphere – tables of tenants and staff chatting and laughing, the picture of a thriving community.

Some tenants chose to share their thoughts and what they said was truly special:

Living here is more than a dream. I’ve been on the streets since I was 12 and I didn’t even dare to dream of having a home. It’s going to take me a while to heal; I really struggle to connect with people, but I’m very glad to be at HomeGround to have that chance. – Jay

I feel very blessed to be here. I had been on and off the streets for 30 years and in all that time I’ve never had a safe place or anywhere to heal. I am just so grateful. Thank you. – Mary

It’s such a blessing to be here. I’ve made some good friends and the staff are all good. Thank you very much. – Anthony

Missioner Helen Robinson says the thoughts shared by tenants at the party were “the highlight of my day, my week, my month, and my year.

“I am conscious of how incredibly lucky we are to have the support of thousands of Aucklanders and people across New Zealand.

“I am also conscious that before our tenants moved in, HomeGround was just a building, and now it is a home.

“This journey has just begun. It can only get better, and I want to thank our tenants, very genuinely, for enriching our lives by being their authentic selves and for being part of the Mission.”

Pictured: HomeGround tenants at the 1yr Tenancy celebration