When a person finds themselves in need of support, the challenge doesn’t always lie in the absence of help. Too often, unseen barriers prevent them from making a connection.
Our mission is to bridge this gap - reaching those who are unseen, unheard or unable to reach out - by delivering support, guided by professionals who work beyond these barriers.
During the course of their work, skilled professionals in areas like health, education and social care can identify when a person or family is struggling. However, providing material support may not be part of their service and they might not have authority to allocate resources.
Re-Source provides a vital missing link - guided by these caring professionals, we connect people in need with donated items without any extra barriers. A trained professional has spotted what’s required and Re-Source works to make that happen.
Re-Source succeeds when:
The need has been met
The person making the referral can stay focused on their core purpose
The trust between professionals and the people they serve has been strengthened
Barriers to support
These are the main barriers we work to address - there are others and unfortunately it’s common for people to face several barriers at the same time.
Mental health and crisis overwhelm
People experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges often find it difficult to seek help. In crisis mode everyday struggles can leave no energy for forms, calls or recognising the need for support - ironically making access hardest for those most in need.
Trauma and avoidance
Severe trauma can remove a person’s ability to seek help. Survivors may avoid interaction with others and it’s vital that trusted support workers already in place can quickly provide what’s needed.
Hidden abuse and fear of reprisal
Victims of family violence may be unable to ask for help due to safety fears, controlling relationships or secrecy in their communities.
Stigma and shame
The shame of needing support can prevent people from reaching out, even in dire circumstances. Receiving ‘charity’ may be another burden for someone experiencing difficulty - this often affects the elderly.
Fear and distrust
People may feel reluctant to reach out because previous experiences and wider societal challenges have led them to expect to be let down or treated badly.
Neurodiversity and cognitive barriers
Spaces may be ill-suited for some people’s sensory or communication needs. This can inadvertently exclude autistic and neurodivergent individuals - impairing their ability to access help.
Children and youth in care
Young people in state care often face significant barriers to accessing support due to unstable living environments, lack of consistent adult advocacy, and systemic inequities.
Homelessness
Without a fixed address people experiencing homelessness may be excluded from services that require proof of address or other identification. Moving between temporary accommodation and rough sleeping also makes it difficult to keep appointments or store documents safely. The instability of daily survival can leave little capacity to navigate complex systems or pursue longer-term help.
Caregiver burden
Caregivers often neglect their own needs - especially those caring for elderly, disabled or chronically ill relatives. Chronic stress, depression, fatigue and deteriorating health are well-documented among caregivers who lack support.
Social isolation
Without family, friends or other support networks, many people in hardship have no one to notice their situation or encourage them to seek help. Isolation can lead to feelings of shame or fear of burdening others.
Language and culture
Minority or immigrant communities may face challenges with language or literacy, making filling in forms and official conversations intimidating. Cultural norms can also make it hard for people to connect or seek outside help. Services delivered in ways that don’t acknowledge tikanga (customs and traditional values) or whānau structures may have inherent barriers.
Urgency of need
Crisis situations like fire, loss of home, or immediate risk require urgent intervention. Official support systems may have steps that incur a delay.
System navigation
Many people struggle to access support when there’s a lot of red tape. Each step may involve different agencies with their own processes, terminology and requirements. For someone already under pressure, keeping track can be overwhelming. Small mistakes like missing a deadline or filling out the wrong form can delay or prevent people from receiving support.
Service capacity barriers
Community services face their own financial limits - staffing pressures, eligibility criteria and demand can far exceed their capacity. People who’ve previously used their entitlement may be ineligible for additional support - even if their situation has dramatically worsened.
Lack of awareness
Accessing support can be complex, especially in times of stress. For those who are unfamiliar, knowing how and where to begin can be really challenging. In some cases, people might not even know they’re eligible for support at all.
Digital divide
Often getting assistance requires online access. Many older adults or those in remote areas lack the equipment, connectivity or skills to use digital systems - effectively barring them from help.
Practical obstacles
Challenges such as unreliable transport, inaccessible locations or inadequate communication options can block access - even when services are theoretically available.
Financial barriers
Lost wages: Taking time off work to access services may reduce already limited income.
Childcare: Parents may struggle to attend appointments if they can’t find or afford childcare.
Transport and petrol: Travelling to appointments or collection points can be unaffordable. Even small costs for public transport or parking can be prohibitive, especially for multiple trips or rural travel.
Internet and phone access: Limited internet access or insufficient phone credit restricts essential communication - hindering access to information, online applications and follow-ups.
Printing and document costs: Fees for ordering or printing documents such as ID copies, application forms, or medical certificates can be barriers.
Bridging the gap: How Re-Source works differently
Re-Source actively works around these barriers.
Instead of waiting for people to ask for help, we channel support directly through a trusted community network.
Every delivery is shaped by the expertise and experience of specialists in their fields, which makes the support highly targeted and impactful. For example, Re-Source works by partnering with trusted professionals to ensure care-experienced youth receive timely, practical support, without added obstacles.
If transportation or mobility is an issue, we eliminate that barrier by delivering directly to their doorstep.
We’re community-driven, so we can respond to crises with speed. Re-Source can mobilise supplies within hours, bridging the immediate, critical period until other, official processes can engage.
Dr Currie, a Paediatrician at Hastings Hospital explains that many of the whānau she supports are already engaged with multiple agencies and prefer to avoid additional services:
"Re-Source’s model of working through existing relationships provides for material needs for our whānau, while strengthening these relationships, which then enhances engagement with the therapy, support or healthcare provided."
She went on to note the impact of this collaboration in a recent case:
"I reviewed [a rangatahi] in outpatient clinic two weeks later, and can report that she was looking the most well and happy that I have seen her, and has made real progress with her health goals."
Children’s Respiratory Nurse, Nora Dunphy, also endorsed the key role of Re-Source, describing the reality faced by many families:
"Many families require support with basic necessities such as clothing, bedding, furniture, and other household items. It is deeply concerning that in this day and age, families continue to struggle to obtain such essentials. I have also noted that, out of necessity, these items are sometimes moved between homes or sold to generate income for food and clothing for children."
She emphasised the value of fast, practical responses:
"Having an organisation like Re-Source, which can respond quickly and without unnecessary barriers, is particularly crucial during the colder winter months when families are most vulnerable. We are extremely grateful for the work that Re-Source does and wholeheartedly endorse their continued support for families in need."
Re-Source plays an active role in a network of care, addressing the material needs of our community while ensuring frontline professionals are supported to carry out their skilled work. By reducing barriers to support, and minimising waste we strengthen the foundation for improved health, stability and wellbeing.
None of this vital work would be possible without our generous supporters. We are deeply grateful to the grant providers and our Re-Source Guardians who back our mission financially. Their contribution means that items are redistributed at no cost to those in need.
With support, we can continue to work past barriers to support and extend our service even further, ensuring help finds everyone who needs it.