"My brother and I were talking about how distressing it was seeing all these people struggling to find housing. It's not something we are accustomed too here. The money is not going to solve any problems but it is a way to help out."
The two brothers discussed the matter with their sister in Wellington who also gave them a thumbs up on the idea.
They all knew of the work Tommy Wilson, and his organisation had done over the years.
Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services director Tommy Wilson said he had a call from the Cross brothers with "something" they wanted to bring over.
"They wanted to come in with koha, I didn't know what it was. The two bros came in for a few hours and we showed them what Te Tuinga does, what it means and how we connect with the community. The bridges we build across Tauranga."
Mr Wilson said others had recently been making donations to the trust.
"People had been bringing blankets, fridges and hot water bottles. I just thought they were just some more kind minded people wanting to share the love and he then pulled out this cheque.
"I was blown away, it's a month's operating expenses for Whare Tauranga."
Mr Wilson said now they had built the Whare Tauranga it needed to be manned, operated and expenses needed to be paid and since the housing had opened it's doors they had been gifted $40,000 from key business and families in Tauranga which was incredible support.
"Our target of $100,000 is being reached. The people we look after need to know we care. The same with us, we need to know the community cares. When people come with a koha like the Cross brothers we know that the community cares."
