Christchurch City Mission Women’s Night Shelter/Walsh House

In Christchurch the City Mission run Women’s Night Shelter and Walsh House both provide accommodation for homeless, abused or otherwise disadvantaged and marginalised women. In respect of the Women’s Night Shelter Altrusa Christchurch provides seven – ten pairs of pyjamas a month for women entering the Shelter. This facility began around the time of the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 when it was realised there was no night shelter for women – although men had had a facility for many years. The pyjamas are bought at sale prices, when available, and are mostly track type bottoms with T-shirt tops so they can be worn during the day if necessary. The women, on entering the Shelter, have a shower and new pyjamas are provided. Shelter staff have let us know that the women are so grateful and cannot believe that people unknown to them make them feel valued once again. Altrusa Christchurch also runs a “Christmas Boxes” project wherein we provide both the Shelter and Walsh House with gift bags for each of the women in their care at Christmas. These items are often the only Christmas gift the women receive.