Kiri Swannell scoops hero award

HONOURED: Kiri Swannell (pictured with husband Kevin) has scooped an award for her community work. PHOTO FILE

Hawke's Bay community worker Kiri Swannell is The Warehouse's national Community Hero for 2016.

Mrs Swannell has helped numerous Hawke's Bay homeless people through her community organisation Limitless Hope and was acknowledged with a standing ovation at The Warehouse Group's Gala Dinner on Friday.

In presenting the award The Warehouse Group CEO Nick Grayston said she is someone who saw a need in her community and went above and beyond to fulfil it.

She began Limitless Hope since 2013 to provide emergency shelter in Napier as a short term option for those in need. She recognised that to get people back on their feet there was a need for both shelter and some training to empower them.

Through Limitless Hope she has been able to get around 80 people out of their cars or off the streets and into permanent accommodation.

"I see my work with Limitless Hope as a way of bringing people together and the community together," she said.

She will receive $5000 as part of her award.