A local couple has set out to accomplish a hefty philanthropic feat - to house Rotorua's homeless.
Tiny Deane, 48, and his fiancee Lynley McMillan are in the process of leasing a home to accommodate 24 homeless people a night, in a selfless bid to improve the lives of peoplearound them.
Tonight they were holding a public meeting at St Luke's Church on Amohia St to gather the public's input into how best to run the home.
"I just like to help people," Mr Deane said, simply.
"The overall plan is huge. I'm trying to bring them back into society. Rather than being out in the cold, they'll be in with us. We're going to be looking after them and make them feel loved."
Mr Deane said they would also operate a separate drop-in centre during the day, offering tea and coffee, and dinner in the evenings, and medical help for those who need it.
Mr Deane found himself out of work recently after his doctor told him an injury from an accident years ago had become bad enough he couldn't continue work as a truck driver.
"He gave me that information five weeks ago. I went home to [my fiancee] and we decided, 'Okay - let's help the homeless'."
Tiny Deane and his partner Lynley McMillan are setting up a homeless shelter. Photo/Ben Fraser
Over the past five weeks, Mr Deane has travelled the country to meet others who provide similar services - to find out how they run and staff the homes - and importantly, fund the endeavour.
So far Mr Deane and Ms McMillan have paid for everything out of their own wallets. They've also received pro bono assistance from lawyers and accountants, and verbal agreements from other parties who have pledged to help. They're also in the process of applying for grants.
Mr Deane said he had almost finalised a legal trust to run the organisation, and he and a local partner were viewing homes to lease or rent.
"I still have a few Is to dot and a few Ts to cross, but I've almost got the fundamentals in place," he said.
Mr Deane is determined to see this project through to being operational and beyond, after having seen previous similar efforts fall limp.
He said he and Ms McMillan will live in at the house.
"We're going to give them clean clothes, shoes and get them to uplift themselves. They'll have a good sleep, wake up feeling good, we'll give them breakfast, and then we bring them back into town.
"Overnight we'll find out what's been bothering them - what their biggest problems or fears are, do they need to see a doctor, a psychiatrist or Winz? Do they need ID?"
He said they'll learn skills and have fun - and importantly, have a physically and emotionally safe place to stay.
"We'll work with them, help them get their identity back, get them feeling good about themselves.
