Grassroots charity Woven Earth is helping family violence survivors in West Auckland create safe new beginnings. Founder and CEO Kerryn Thrupp explains that Woven Earth provides the furniture and household essentials survivors need to rebuild their lives safely and with dignity. ‘We help turn an empty house into a home,’ she says.
Survivors are often forced to flee at short notice without money or possessions while caring for traumatised children. ‘Leaving a violent relationship is not the end but simply the beginning of a new, profoundly challenging journey,’ says Kerryn. Woven Earth provides everything from beds, tables and chairs to washing machines, fridges, bedding, towels, cutlery and much more, helping families start again with the essentials they need.
For one young mum, who moved straight from hospital with her newborn into a home furnished by Woven Earth, that support was life-changing. ‘For the first time in such a long time, I felt seen, I felt cared for, and I felt like maybe there is still kindness and hope in the world,’ she said. ‘To every person who has donated something, whether big or small, please know that your gift has changed our lives.’
Demand for Woven Earth’s services continues to grow. ‘Family violence doesn’t discriminate. It’s happening right now, affecting our friends, families, workmates, neighbours and the communities we call home,’ says Kerryn. Last year alone, the charity furnished 189 houses, with 36 per cent of them in West Auckland. ‘It’s our biggest area,’ says Kerryn.
The organisation also moved from three separate warehouses, totalling 450 square metres, into one much larger warehouse offering 1,000 square metres of storage space. Kerryn says consolidating its operations has improved efficiency and increased Woven Earth’s capacity to respond to requests for assistance.
The charity continues to work closely with 29 frontline agencies out West, including Police, Victim Support, Visionwest, Family Action and Te Whare o Ngā Tūmanako Māori Women’s Refuge. These partner agencies refer whānau who need support to Woven Earth.
Woven Earth received $20,000 from the 2026 Your West Support Fund to help meet the operational expenses needed to keep the service running. ‘The support makes all the difference, as help with everyday costs is hard to come by,’ says Kerryn.
Woven Earth would love to hear from businesses with end-of-line or overstocked goods, as well as anyone able to donate suitable pre-loved or brand-new furniture and household items. Every contribution can help a family turn an empty house into a safe and welcoming home.
Learn more about Woven Earth at wovenearth.org.nz or follow them on Facebook.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds. Photos by Carmen Bird Photography.
