Tenants chatting in the community garden, cars parked outside their homes and conversations drifting over the fence are signs of a new chapter in inclusive community living with the opening of Evergreen House – Whare Katoa in Te Puke.

The purpose-built housing development is now home to seven tenants after being officially opened in August 2025. Jabez Initiative board member Amy Cumming said seeing the project completed had been deeply rewarding.

“Seeing Evergreen House come to life over the course of 2025 has been truly life-giving,” Cumming said. “We now have seven deserving tenants who call this place home and it’s been a joy to watch them begin to connect with one another and flourish.”

Meaningful difference

Evergreen House comprises six accessible units – one two-bedroom and five one-bedroom homes – designed to support ageing residents and people with mobility needs. Features include car parks close to front doors, direct footpath access to nearby amenities, spacious interiors suitable for mobility aids, generous bathrooms and laundries, grab rails, shower seating and private outdoor decks.

Tenants said the thoughtful design had made a meaningful difference to their daily lives.“Overall, it has made my life easier, and I feel safe and fulfilled,” one resident said. “I have ‘pinch me’ moments as I reflect on the journey to here.”

Safety, support

Another tenant highlighted the strong sense of safety and neighbourly support.

“I feel safe in my new home. I can call out to my neighbours and they’ll come and help if I need them. It’s changed my life. I felt welcomed and respected by everyone involved.”

The development was built by G.J. Gardner Homes and delivered by the Jabez Initiative Charitable Company in partnership with Te Puke Baptist Church, which gifted the land. Construction began after building consent was granted in mid-2024, and the homes achieved Lifemark 4 certification, supporting ageing in place.

Community asset

The official opening was attended by community members, construction partners, local government representatives and MPs. Te Puke Baptist Church senior pastor Josiah Carr described the project as faith in action, transforming church land into homes for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. The building was blessed by a kaumātua, followed by a shared celebratory lunch.

The adjacent Eden Community Gardens is already a social hub, producing fresh vegetables for residents.

“It’s become a regular meeting place and it’s wonderful to see a small, vibrant community forming,” Carr said.

Cumming said Evergreen House now stands as a lasting community asset, showing how thoughtful design and local collaboration can create homes where people can truly thrive.