One in five Kiwis struggle to make ends meet every week – equating to 774,000 adults – according to new data from Orange Sky. During the recent International Friendship Day (30 July), the not-for-profit called for New Zealanders to get behind our friends doing it tough and take part in the nation’s first-ever Orange Sky Sudsy Challenge from 2-19 September. 

The Orange Sky-commissioned study reveals some confronting truths when it comes to New Zealand’s homelessness crisis, with the data finding 40 per cent of Kiwis have experienced or know someone who has experienced homelessness. 

According to the data, more than one in five (21%) Kiwis have personally experienced homelessness first-hand, while 19% know someone who has been affected. 

In response to the findings, Orange Sky is calling on Kiwis to get behind the inaugural Sudsy Challenge – a fundraising initiative which aims to wash away the stigmas surrounding homelessness. The challenge involves Kiwis wearing the same clothes for three consecutive days, to spark a conversation about homelessness and support Kiwis doing it tough each night. 

Eddie Uini, Operations Manager at Orange Sky N.Z. joins us now for more. Eddie joined the Orange Sky team in 2018 when they launched their first van in Auckland and looks after the company's services across New Zealand. Eddie is passionate about supporting our friends experiencing homelessness and was nominated for Young New Zealander of the Year in 2020 for his work in the community.