Lifewise Trust is a step closer to refurbishing and expanding its café in central Auckland which provides a haven for homeless people thanks to a $30,000 grant from Transpower’s CommunityCare Fund.
Lifewise Merge Café, on Auckland’s Karangahape Road, plays a key role in supporting Auckland’s homeless community. The café attracts people from all walks of life, and customers who can are encouraged to pay a little extra to support people experiencing homelessness.
Transpower’s grant will facilitate a number of projects that will update Merge Café’s facilities and provide more space for patrons at the café that has been running since 2010 and has over 11,000 people pass through its doors each year.
“We are needing to upgrade kitchen equipment and refresh the café amenities as well as replace outdoor furniture and add an awning and heaters for our courtyard”, said Lifewise Merge Café business manager Julia West.
With most of the funding now secured, Merge Café is expected to start the refurbishment work this January and have it completed by the end of 2019.
