Every household, every volunteer, every donor brings a story. To protect privacy, names and identifying details below are changed or composited — the experiences are real.
“I expected an empty flat and another night on the floor with the kids. Instead, there were beds made up, a kettle on, and a card on the table. For the first time in months, we felt like a family again.”
Sarah*
Mother of two · Central Bedfordshire
Referred to Ohana CIC by a local domestic abuse service after a tenancy was secured. Our volunteer team assembled beds, set up the kitchen and arranged the living room before move-in day — turning a bare flat into a home in under 48 hours.
“Nobody talks about men leaving abusive homes. Ohana CIC just turned up, no questions, with a bed and a microwave. That meant everything.”
James*
Survivor
Single adult household; referred via a housing association after move-on from temporary accommodation.
“My eldest cried when she saw her own bedroom set up. She said 'this is ours now, isn't it Mum?'”
Amira*
Mother of three
Family of four; home starter kit included three children's beds, bedding, kitchen pack and a starter food shop.
“Three hours building a flat-pack wardrobe doesn't sound like much. But knowing it ends with a family being welcomed home — I'll do that every weekend.”
Priya
Volunteer
Volunteers monthly on Ohana CIC delivery and assembly days.
“Our business donated a van for a morning. The team came back saying it was the best day of their year.”
Mark
Local trader
Bedfordshire-based business; supports Ohana CIC through pro-bono transport and quarterly team build days.
“The boundary is what makes this work. We do the housing journey. Ohana picks up the moment the door opens.”
DART worker
Referral partner
Domestic abuse advocacy service; uses the consent-based referral pathway with Ohana CIC.
“We see fewer tenancy breakdowns when households move in with what they need. It's preventative, full stop.”
Council officer
Housing partner
Local authority partner reporting on tenancy sustainment outcomes.
* Names and identifying details changed or composites used to protect privacy.