Before life unravelled beneath him, Tēwa admits he used to judge people doing it tough. He thought he understood their situation from the outside. Now, he says, he takes it all back.

Everything changed the day he lost his wife to COVID‑19. Grief hit hard, and the home they once shared slipped away soon after. Within weeks, Tēwa found himself sleeping in his car, navigating a world he never imagined he’d be part of.

“I hadn’t had a shower in four days,” he recalls. “As soon as I saw the Orange Sky van, I dived in. Having clean clothes and a shower — man, it changes everything.”

That simple moment of dignity became a turning point. “You feel fresh,” he says. “It became psychological — just feeling clean made all the difference.”

Today, with stable housing and access to a shower and laundry, Tēwa still returns to shift. He sits alongside friends and tūao (volunteers), lending a hand, offering a kōrero, and being a steady presence for others walking the path he once walked.

His story is a powerful reminder that healing is not a straight line. It’s circular, communal, and grounded in aroha (love). The same community that lifted him up now benefits from his warmth, resilience, and care.

As we move through the holiday season, Tēwa’s journey encourages us to look out for one another — to make sure everyone feels seen, valued, and connected. Because when we show up for our community, we create the kind of change that lasts.

Blog created from stories shared in "The Fresh Press" newsletter. For more information visit Orange Sky's website.