Our teams

The People’s project team brings together a unique combination of experience and expertise in social work, psychology, occupational therapy, mental health and addictions.

We believe in upholding the mana of everyone.

Housing is worked on as the first priority. We then ‘wrap around’ health, addictions, employment, income and other support services for each person, if and as required. We’re here for as long as we are needed to help people sustain their tenancies. This involves working alongside other organisations committed to ending homelessness, using a ‘one plan’ approach.

The People’s Project is led by our founder and Wise Trust executive chair, Julie Nelson. Kerry Hawkes is The People’s Project general manager, reporting to Wise Group CE Shelley Campbell.

Hamilton

Led by Hamilton manager, Carole, our Hamilton team is made up of team leaders and case managers, including specialist case managers, our cultural advisor, front of house staff, and our warehouse manager who looks after all the supplies needed to make a house a home for Hamilton and Tauranga.

We’re often joined by people from our partner organisations, including the team from Te Whatu Ora Waikato Community Mental Health and Addictions Service, Hamilton City Council’s City Safe team, and Work and Income.

Tauranga

Our Tauranga team is led by manager Tania, and is made up of team leaders, case managers, a clinical advisor and front of house/admin staff.

“My daughter and me were in desperate need of support to find affordable housing… I really don’t know what we would have done without you guys.”