News Story

Auckland Young Adults Help Families in Need

Service project benefits De Paul House transitional housing agency

On a recent Saturday, young adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auckland showed up to lend a hand to an organization that makes a difference in their community. The project happened at the De Paul House which provides housing and support services for those most vulnerable in the community, focusing on families with dependent children.

The young people were all part of a special congregation just for young adults in the North Auckland area. In consultation with the centre, they decided to provide personal hygiene kits that could be given to family members when they first arrive at the centre.

“Often when people arrive here, they have nothing, only the clothes on their backs,” said Jan Rutledge, General Manager. “These kits help them to feel better about themselves and gives busy parents some supplies to take care of young children as they move into their new housing.”

She added, “It was great to see such a young and fun group donating their time and energy.”

The young people also gave a good wash to the centre’s vehicles.

De Paul House is supported by many community groups including Rotary International and is partially housed on property belonging to the Archdiocese of Auckland. Catholic congregations in the area offer their support throughout the year.

Mark Allen, the leader of the young congregants, said, “In speaking with the young people who came, they were all impressed with what the De Paul team takes on every day and the long-term commitment they have made to help families. We were also pleased to join another faith-based organization in delivering help right where it is needed in our community.”

Efrain Santanas helped to wash the vehicles.

“It felt great to be helping families in our community from many other nations," he said. "I really enjoyed doing something to help people of other faiths and to help welcome them into our area. Projects like this remind me that I need to me more like Christ in loving all people. and that our Church is true for it follows Christ teachings to love all.”

Mau Melligan was another one of the young people who took part. “It was great to be able to contribute to their efforts and to serve in my local community. Not only does serving help someone on the receiving end, but it helped me in strengthening friendships, easing my own worries and feeling connected with a cause other than myself."

De Paul House posted about the event on their Facebook site on 30 March..

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