Merge Café makeover moves closer thanks to $30,000 boost
Lifewise Trust is a step closer to refurbishing and expanding its café in central Auckland which provides a haven for
homeless people thanks to a $30,000 grant from Transpower’s CommunityCare Fund.
Lifewise Merge Café, situated at 453 Karangahape Road, plays a crucial role in supporting Auckland’s homeless community,
breaking down societal barriers and offering a warm, safe and supportive space.
The café attracts people from all walks of life. With a goal to end homelessness in Auckland, customers who can are
encouraged to pay a little extra to support people experiencing homelessness.
Transpower’s grant will facilitate a number of projects that will update Merge Café’s facilities and provide more space
for patrons at the café that has been running since 2010 and has over 11,000 people pass through its doors each year.
“We are needing to upgrade kitchen equipment and refresh the café amenities as well as replace outdoor furniture and
add an awning and heaters for our courtyard”, said Lifewise Merge Café Business Manager Julia West said.
A regular volunteer and identity at Merge Café, ‘Shadow’, said the Café is a source of emotional as well as nutritional
nourishment:
“It’s like a family lounge where whānau come in. It’s a good place with good people. I’ve been coming here ever since it
first opened. The food is cheaper here and friends are closer. Everyone connects here including business people. We all
get on and workers interact with homeless people and talk like they’ve been best friends for years. It’s pretty much
like a little community here.”
Transpower is pleased to have been able to support the project.
“Just like Merge Café our network is also about sustaining connections“, said Transpower Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Geoff Wishart.
“Our substation is just around the corner on Hobson St, and like homelessness - just as invisible unless you know about
it. With those sort of synergies, it feels right to provide a helping hand”, said Mr Wishart.
Since inception of Transpower’s CommunityCare Fund in 2007 over 450 community projects around the country have been
funded to a total value of nearly $10 million.
With most of the funding now secured, Merge Café expects to start the refurbishment work this January and have it
completed by the end of 2019.
ENDS