Need home repairs, but struggling to afford them?
Ryhaven Charitable Trust assists limited income home owners to repair and upgrade their home.
How we can help
Indoor
- Kitchen improvements
- Bathroom repairs
- Modifications for disabled
- Mould & damp repair
- Plumbing & electric upgrades
Outdoor
- Exterior repairs & painting
- Roof repairs or replacement
- Disability ramps
Temporary Accomodation
- Cabin hire
- Caravan hire
What people say
“The staff involved were respectful and did more than expected, thinking of things that would improve my life. ”
Amanda, Titahi Bay
“We have learnt so much about renovating and how to fix things. Knowing there are other families waiting to have their houses done has given us an extra push… so that other families can be blessed with the same overwhelming happiness as us.”
Whanāu member, Porirua
“With the new lease of life that has been given to the family home, it will finally become a home again with lots of visitors and laughter – just as a home should be. ”
Felila, Porirua
How does it work?
1. Apply
Complete our online application form. Applications are welcomed from Wellington homeowners of limited income.
Apply2. Assess your needs
If your application is successful, the trust will determine the appropriate assistance required. Needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
3. Work starts
The repairs are completed by a combination of Ryhaven staff, volunteers, licensed contractors and where possible the families of homeowners.
Recent projects
Water, water, everywhere
When a local family’s lounge floor collapsed, they didn’t know what to do and urgently reached out to the Ryhaven Trust for help.
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Much-loved home brought ‘back to life’
The Trust was approached to help a Porirua family with a home in need of desperate repair.
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The impossible dream
Following years of serious ceiling leaks, a Wellington family home had become practically uninhabitable.
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Looking smart and on the level
When the trust was asked to check out at an ‘un-level’ floor in a local home, the team soon uncovered a more troublesome issue.
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Building affordable rentals
In the Hutt Valley, two new Waiwhetu townhouses are under construction to offer affordable rental accommodation for low-income families.
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Elsdon home upgrade — Feeling like ‘a home again’
In late 2020, the Trust took on a deferred maintenance project for an elderly homeowner.
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Titahi Bay lifesaver
The Trust assisted a family living in Porirua’s Titahi Bay to paint their home and carry out some deferred maintenance.
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Whānau roll up their sleeves
In December 2020, the Trust helped a local Porirua family to renovate their home.
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Affordable family rentals
In 2020, the Ryhaven Trust assisted a family to relocate and relevel their house on a large section in Naenae.
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Financial future looking bright
A husband and wife struggling to pay their debts feared they would eventually have to sell their home.
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Exterior upgrade and landscaping
For a solo mother and her 11-year-old son, a home and landscape makeover has made the world of difference.
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Whānau lend a helping hand
Dealing with the demands of a growing family and a home in need of critical repair, this local Stokes Valley family reached out to the Ryhaven Trust for urgent support.
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Rental cabins and caravans – an affordable option
Families in need of more space have benefited from our temporary, affordable rentals.
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Safe haven
Sharron is the primary caregiver for her special needs grandson and when her landlord gave her notice to move out she felt she was ‘out of options’.
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What a difference a roof makes!
Aaron and his wife bought their Wellington home seventeen years ago. Whilst it represented ‘home’ and security for their three-generation family, the old house was in need of maintenance.
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Feels like a new home
Before Trevor’s daughter Jane approached Ryhaven Trust, Trevor believed that the only option for his aging home was to bulldoze it.
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Dulux Adds some Shine to Taita Home
Friday 19 October was anything but a day in the office for Dulux CEO Jevan Dickinson and an enthusiastic team of sixteen Dulux staff volunteers.
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Home now safe and secure
Leaks, electric shocks and roof in bad state of repair were just some of the problems affecting this family home.
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Cabins provide comfort
Young building apprentices learn valuable skills constructing Ryhaven Trust cabins.
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Space for a growing family
Home expansion provides much-needed space for a family of nine.
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Long-overdue repairs to a small family home
In a small two-bedroom family home, the trust has replaced rotten floorboards, installed a cabin and given the kitchen and bathroom a much-needed facelift.
View projectSupporters
Thank you to our local supporters for helping the trust carry out their work
