"A lot of questions we get are that people don't want undesirables - it's not a home for those people, it's about engaging in prevention to avoid families sleeping in cars, etc. The perception is a bit confused," Ms Swannell said.
They need all the help and money they can get their hands on, especially seeing as time to reach their Givealittle goal is running out.
So far generous donors have "pledged" $20,055 toward the cause but if they don't hit the target of $100,000 by the end of next month that money will be returned.
All of Ms James' works use a sense of humour to poke gentle fun at local politics and prompt debate when put on display.
"Public opinion was equally divided," she said. "Depending on their own personal view-point, people either loved the pictures or hated them - but at least it got them talking."
The amalgamation painting portrays twin city leaders in a medieval jousting match - sporting their respective coats of arms against the backdrop of Hawke's Bay.
A barrier down the centre signifies those literally "on the fence" over the merger of Hawke's Bay councils.
It took a lot of time and effort before the image was ready for public critique.
"I love using humour, I researched the colours of both cities and their coat of arms, Napier's coat of arms you need permission to use, so I was careful to use just a small part of it," Ms James said. "I looked at photos of both mayors for their body builds. Bill Dalton's helmet - I tried to make it look like a beard so people would know it was him."
Her listing was posted on TradeMe at the weekend with all proceeds to Limitless Hope.
Opening at $100 the auction reached $101 in fewer than 24 hours, also attracting 75 page views and a handful of watchers.
She hoped to have a much higher sum by the time it closed on Tuesday, July 7, at noon.
- Find it on TradeMe under Amalgamation - the stuff of knight mayors.
-Phone Mrs Swannell on 027 3019 491 or to make a donation, visit givealittle.co.nz/project/limitlesshope
