When the Sisters of Compassion purchased the first pensioner housing units for the Compassion Housing project, they never thought that 23 years later the housing problem in Aotearoa New Zealand would reach its current magnitude.

Rising property prices, along with the cost of living, and shortage of available and adequate housing has put pressure on so many people in our community. As a result many people, not least the elderly, are unable to find the peace of mind secure housing offers.

In 2000 Compassion Housing, following our values of giving compassion, faith, and dignity to the elderly, disadvantaged and poor, was recognised by the Community Housing Regulatory Authority as an approved community housing provider to administer affordable homes to older people who are unable to afford market rents.

The first homes purchased in 2000 in Upper Hutt began a programme that would expand to other towns. After having purchased the Horowhenua District Council’s community housing portfolio in 2017 in partnership with Willis Bond, Compassion Housing currently owns and manages 208 units across Levin, Foxton, Shannon, and Upper Hutt, and has benefited more than 700 people since its inception.

For the Sisters of Compassion, the mission is to provide quality, comfortable and affordable housing; to respect people’s right to independence; to offer friendship, encouragement and help to lead active lives; and to advocate for access to health, social and public care. Fulfilling this mission is part of the work we do every day.