Optimistic, but not out of the woods.

That’s the summary of the situation from The Hub Te Puke CEO Scott Nicholson after an urgent plea for support.

Last week, the perilous financial position of the social services provider was revealed, with a worst-case scenario that it might have to close down on December 20.

Scott says while that is still possible, it is only a slim possibility after an appeal for help.

“In terms of where we’re at, we are hopeful,” he says.

“There has been a good response from grassroots and from many of our clients and other people involved.”

He says about half the $40,000 needed to get through December has been found.

The Hub Te Puke is a lifeline for many, running Te Puke’s foodbank and facilitating counselling, financial mentoring, social work support and housing assistance as well as services for the homeless.

The Hub Te Puke CEO Scott Nicholson. Photo / Talia Parker

If another $20,000 can be secured, Scott says The Hub should be able to continue into the new year, although it may have to reduce the services provided.

The issues have been caused by static funding, combined with increasing costs.

“Obviously, there has been tightening of belts across the board in terms of some of the funding and, primarily, more in our private donations and that’s fully understandable in the current economic climate.”

There has also been a tightening of the belt at The Hub.

“But now we are at the stage that it’s going to affect the level of provision and we were trying to avoid that.”

If The Hub survives until the end of the year, then 2025 is likely to see strategies put in place to make things sustainable.

The support has highlighted the community’s appreciation of The Hub and its services.

“We are very heartened by the response, but we are not out of the woods yet.”

“In terms of our local community, everybody’s doing what they can to ensure we continue.”

In an earlier media statement outlining the situation, Lee Harrison, chairman of EmpowermentNZ, the trust behind The Hub, said appealing for help was more than just trying to save a community organisation.

“It’s about preserving a vital lifeline for Te Puke,” he said.

To support the campaign, visit The Hub Te Puke’s website or Facebook page.

-Te Puke Times