Every day, people sleeping rough in Auckland walk as far as 17km to access essentials like food, a safe place to sleep, medical help and somewhere to wash. That's not easy.
The Big Mission Home is a 17 kilometre sponsored walk to raise funds for the Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai to provide vital support for those who need it most, no matter how far they have walked.
On Saturday 23rd March 2024, hundreds of people from across Auckland took on The Big Mission Home and walked in support of those in our city who are in greatest need.
Register Interest 2025
Keen to get your group involved with The Big Mission Home in March 2025? Register your interest today and we'll contact you with all the details once the event is live!
Will you walk for people like Kevin?
"I walked a lot. I would walk to find medical support - when you are unwell on the streets, your health can decline very quicky. I would walk to look for places to wash, which could be very difficult to find. I would walk to the Mission for a warm meal. I would walk to try and find work. I would walk to keep in touch with friends on the street - you need friends, even when you are living on the street, otherwise it gets incredibly lonely and isolating." Kevin
Kevin is no stranger to sleeping rough, having spent over 15 years living in temporary structures in the CBD. Rain or shine, Kevin would walk as far as 17 kilometres in a day for kai, to find somewhere to wash, get to work, and to meet up with his mates.
For streeties like Kevin, the Mission offers practical support - like freshly-cooked, nutritious meals, hot showers, medical care and substance use withdrawal support - and a warm welcome 365 days a year.
In August 2022, Kevin moved into one of the 80 new apartments at HomeGround, the Mission’s new hub. It was a difficult adjustment for Kevin after so long on the street, but he knows he finally has a permanent place to call home - along with 24/7 access to support services and a thriving community.
The difference you'll make
For more than a century, the Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai has been supporting Aucklanders in greatest need, with aroha and respect.
Every dollar raised through The Big Mission Home will help us provide nutritious kai, specialist health care, permanent homes and a supportive community for people experiencing homelessness or poverty.
Contact The Big Mission Home team
If you have any questions or would like a helping hand, please reach out! We're here to help.
Check out our FAQs
Give our friendly team a call on 09 303 9209
Or you can send us an email
