New disability housing – Rowan Apartments – is opening in Taradale in September, the fantastic result of the ‘Give a Brick’ project undertaken by Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC).

This accessible housing project has cost $3.8 million, funded by PSEC and over $1.3 million contributed by the community. No government funding involved.

The official opening is 16 September. This video tells the story.

And you can see here just how widespread and impressive the community’s response has been. As PSEC says, “Hawke’s Bay’s commitment to being a great place for every person to live is something every resident can be proud of.”

PSEC comments that Rowan Apartments is a “Bold start on a big need”. There are 33 residential clients across Hawke’s Bay, with 35 people are on health wait lists. Many are younger, with complex physical disability, living in unsuitable aged care. Some live with ageing parents who have done a great job of supporting, but are getting older and struggling with high complex needs adult child. Some live in unhealthy places, harmful even.

“If we can get basic shelter right, then people can go on and experience a good life.”