With construction underway on a Katikati housing project that will provide 14 seniors with en-suite studio accommodation, cooked meals and companionship, the committee behind it are inviting people to help clad the building with bricks.

“You just need to drive past the site at 3 Wills Road to see the progress,” said Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty chairwoman Carole Parker. “The roof is about to go on shortly.”

Parker said the Abbeyfield WBOP committee had worked hard for nearly six years to raise more than $3 million needed in total to build the house for people aged 65-plus who might not otherwise have the means to secure quality accommodation in their older years.

“With $2.5 million granted from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development affordable housing fund and financial support from Abbeyfield Properties Ltd, the committee is now working to raise a small shortfall of $67,022 through various fundraising activities.”

Their newest campaign invites the public to ‘buy’ a brick for $25 to form the brick cladding of the house.

“The house will be clad in brick and wood and with more than 10,000 bricks, we’re hoping people will be prepared to buy some to raise the last of the funds we need,” said Parker.

In June Abbeyfield WBOP volunteers will be at Katikati’s Sunday Markets selling bricks, and outside the town’s Woolworths and Four Square.

People can also contact the committee by emailing: fundabbeytfieldwbop@gmail.com or phoning: 027 348 7748 to organise a bank transfer.

Parker said the Abbeyfield house being built in Katikati is already a proven housing option for those 65-plus who are lonely, or isolated, struggling to maintain a household or can’t afford market rents or a place in a retirement village. “There currently are 15 houses in New Zealand with a further 10 in the pipeline. All run by local community volunteer committees,” said Parker.

“Each resident will have their own studio and access to shared living areas. A housekeeper will provide two meals a day with a self-service breakfast; and will look after the shared living areas.

“Other than the housekeeper, who is the only paid staff member, the house will be run by volunteers,” said Parker. “It’s just like flatting together with rent covering accommodation, meals, power, rates and overheads. It will be affordable for those who rely on superannuation for their income – but it is not a rest home, and no healthcare is provided.”

Parker said those aged 65-plus 65s who believe living in the Abbeyfield house would work for them are invited to register their interest. “We have space for 14 independent, sociable older people and have already begun selecting residents. However, we are still interested to hear from people who would be interested in living in the Abbeyfield House.”

For more information, visit: www.abbeyfield.co.nz/house/wbop/