Registered charity Woven Earth provides practical help and support to those fleeing family violence. Because of the danger, family violence victims often leave at a moment’s notice with no possessions, no money and no support. Starting again in a new home can be overwhelming. Woven Earth makes a difference by furnishing empty houses and transforming them into loving homes.
Woven Earth was set up five years ago by Kerryn Thrupp. She has first-hand experience of family violence and homelessness and recognised a huge gap in the practical support available. Woven Earth was started in her garage and has expanded to become Auckland-wide. Last year, the charity transformed an average of four homes per week, empowering 2374 individuals.
Woven Earth works with around 60 frontline agencies that refer families, including the police, Vision West, Family Action, and many more. ‘At no charge, we provide new or pre-loved furniture and household items that turn a house into a home,’ explains Kerryn. She says that includes beds to sleep in, tables and chairs, fridge and washing machine, bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, and many more items a family needs.
However, the charity does more than just provide the basics. The team makes an effort to get to know the family and find out about their interests, hobbies and favourite colours. Furnishings are then carefully selected for the individuals, reflecting their unique style and preferences.
Often, it’s the children who face the biggest upheaval when escaping violence. Woven Earth puts the children at the heart of everything they do. ‘While we cannot fully restore what the children have lost, our mission is to ease their journey and support their healing,’ says Kerryn.
She explains that a dedicated Children’s Fund helps by replacing a beloved toy, providing school uniforms, or funding activities like dance, swimming, or sports. ‘These efforts nurture their mental and physical well-being, fostering a sense of safety and belonging they may not have experienced before,’ Kerryn advises.
As a charity, Woven Earth depends on funders’ support and donors’ generosity. $10,000 for the latest Your West Support Fund is helping to change the lives of family violence victims in The West.
According to Kerryn, the support makes an enormous difference. ‘Everyone has a part to play,’ she says, ‘and by working together, we can make a traumatic situation more manageable, giving others the hand-up needed to live safely, recover and re-establish their lives.’
You can be a part of this change by donating or spreading the word about Woven Earth.
