Helping people get through the recession
An organisation which has seen its client numbers double because of the recession and is managing increased demand is one of 164 recipients who received funding from the Community Response Fund.
Pene Hodge, Manager of C.A.R.E Waitakere Trust, a budgeting and counselling service, says "Last year we counselled 350 clients, and half way through this year, we already have 300 new clients! We are also seeing a lot more complicated budgeting cases, which require more time and expertise to manage."
"This year we have helped people who have loans with seven or eight finance companies, people who have several businesses and corporate people dealing with redundancy and mortgagee sales. Last year alone, we had $22 million worth of presenting debt, which gives you an indication of what we have to work through."
C.A.R.E Waitakere also provides counselling services and sees budgeting and counselling services complimenting each other. Pene says "We are able to link our budgeting clients into our family and individual counselling, as there is a lot of stress and emotions to deal with.
Pene says "It also takes people a lot of time and strength to come and talk about their financial problems. For the first few visits we often just listen and help the client get their head around the problem. Recently, we had one business owner come with a big box of unopened mail. He couldn’t face opening the mail and seeing the bills. So the budgeting adviser sat with him and they opened all the mail together."
C.A.R.E. Waitakere services the Te Atatu and Waitakere area. It also provides budgeting workshops, and family camps in partnership with a local Waitakere Adventure organisation. Located in a small cottage in a quiet suburban street in Te Atatu, C.A.R.E Waitakere is living up to its name, Coming Along Side to Restore and Empower.
For more information, Visit the website or telephone 09 834 6480.
