New Zealand Night Refuge Proves Model Works for Women

A small New Zealand town is proving that homeless shelters can serve everyone, not just men.

Kim's Way opened in Masterton just one year ago as the area's only night refuge accepting both men and women. Most nights, all 13 beds are full, especially as winter approaches.

The model is groundbreaking for New Zealand. While government-funded Whare Manaaki serves nine men in alcohol-free housing, Kim's Way welcomes everyone including the estimated five women who regularly sleep rough in Masterton.

"Homeless women are often less visible, possibly because they're so vulnerable," says manager Joe Stewart. "There's a different kind of power imbalance at play."

Co-founder Stella Lennox says the first year has proven what many suspected. A significant portion of Masterton's 30 rough sleepers need services that traditional male-only shelters can't provide.

The refuge operates on a harm-reduction model, allowing guests to bring alcohol rather than forcing sobriety as a condition for shelter. Stewart says the philosophy is simple: "Everyone deserves a home. You could be an alcoholic, or you could have drug issues—everyone deserves a place."

The Ripple Effect

The community has wrapped its arms around Kim's Way. Local donors, fundraisers, and grant providers have kept the doors open through the first challenging year.

That grassroots support covers the $15,000 monthly operating costs for electricity, internet, and three staff salaries. Stewart says the community "would not let Kim's Way fall down."

Lennox believes this could be a blueprint for provincial towns across New Zealand. As the government considers move-on orders for rough sleepers, Kim's Way demonstrates where people can actually move on to.

The data from year one tells a clear story: when you create inclusive, low-barrier shelter, people use it. When you trust communities to care for their most vulnerable members, they step up.

Winter is coming to Masterton, and 13 beds are ready.