Packed to rafters with love

Keanu Taurerewa (left) is grateful to Rotorua's Libya Richmond, who took him in when he had no where else to go. Photo / Ben Fraser

A Rotorua woman is calling for people to open their hearts to help those who have no where to go.

For the past two months Libya Richmond's Ngongotaha home has been a full house. Living there are herself, her three sons and a young, formerly homeless, man who she took in.

Her house has also been packed with teenagers who feel they have no where to go, often having strained relationships or no contact with their families.

They come and go, but Ms Richmond ensures they get something to eat and a roof over their heads.

She also gives them as much advice and support as she can to help get them out of difficult situations.

She said this was her way to help tackle the issue of homelessness: One youth at a time.

Just a few months ago she came across Keanu Taurerewa, a friend of her son's, who approached her and told her about his situation.

"It just ripped at my heart and I knew I had to do something," she said.

The 22-year-old has been living with Ms Richmond ever since, and has been working towards getting himself set up to find a job, get an ID and get a place of his own.

"The sad thing is ... he got in trouble with the law once, but he, like everyone, deserves a second chance. We all do. This is his second chance, and since he's been with me he's been really good and has come a long way."

Mr Taurerewa said he was incredibly grateful for Ms Richmond's kindness.

Ms Richmond said she believed more people needed to open their hearts to help people like Mr Taurerewa, and to guide them to turn their lives around.

"I think there's hundreds of people like Keanu out there in Rotorua. People who don't have a home. If we all tried to help at least one of them, in any way we can, it would make a difference."

Rotorua Youth Centre manager Steve Holmes said youth homelessness was not uncommon.

"I know it happens, that there's young people who have no home or have essentially been dumped on someone's doorstep. But since I haven't been in the role [of manager] for long, I couldn't say the extent of it at this stage."