Bosses of a Wellington homeless organisation are ‘over the moon’ after finding warm homes for all their referrals this Christmas.
Leslie Birrell, from The Salvation Army’s KIP Project, on Tan Bank, said that on December 16 they had found homes for all those on their list in time for Christmas.
“It is a first,” he said. “As from December 16 everybody has a home for Christmas who has been referred to KIP.
“We are absolutely over the moon. It is most wonderful news. We are so pleased we have been able to do it. They will be in the warm for Christmas.”
Karen Tomlinson, Wellington councillor, said: “It is fantastic news and brilliant for this time of year particularly as it gets so cold.”
The Salvation Army project is also preparing packages, food and drink for a festive party at drop-in cafe Mark’s Pit Stop, on Tan Bank, on Christmas Eve from 10am.
Janet Groves, from the cafe, said: “We have the best time on Christmas Eve. This Christmas Eve we will be having food and drink, tea, coffee and biscuits for a Christmas celebration.
“It will be good. We will be handing out packages to people.”
In the Christmas packages there are tins of beans and soup and fresh fruit.
Mark’s Pit Stop is a drop-in cafe for the homeless and those in need.