Researchers have found members of the homeless population, especially those from communities that were marginalised, often had “low institutional trust” in governmental services due to their encounters. Bongers experience with social housing in Blenheim was no different and that was what led her to Wellington. Following a brief stint in Picton, Bongers arrived in Wellington three weeks ago. Along the way, she got herself a bike, clothes, a thermos and a hot water bottle. Locals have chipped in too, with some visiting her in the evenings, dropping off food and filling her hot water bottle with warm water.
Ross Giblin/Stuff