A Southlander never dreamed she would be homeless.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she felt she had been given a second chance when Habitat for Humanity found her a place at The Grand accommodation in Invercargill.
"They made us feel safe, they gave me my independence back and I am so grateful for that."
After a life full of trials and tribulations, cancer had taken away her ability to work for the past five years, as well as a place to call home.
When Habitat for Humanity took over the management of The Grand in May last year, the organisation gave her more than just a room — it gave her a fresh start, she said.
However, after less than a year of managing the central city accommodation, it had pulled the plug on its contract with Strathvale Investments.
Habitat for Humanity Invercargill general manager Paul Searancke earlier this week confirmed the organisation had ended its agreement with owner Murray Baird on Monday at 5pm.
"We were unable to reconcile some contractual arrangements so we chose to leave," he said.
In the past 10 months, about 4500 nights of accommodation had been provided to people who had nowhere else to go, he said.
While more than 30 rooms were still being used by those placed by Habitat for Humanity, the organisation had not removed any residents from the property when it opted out of the contract, he said.
In order to ensure the safety of the residents, major safety measures had been implemented in the hotel since the organisation took over the management, from security cameras to access keys and monitoring those entering and leaving the building.
Rooms had also been upgraded with new paint jobs, beds and furniture, and shared facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms had also been renovated.
Two staff members were on-site at all times, including overnight, to make sure residents were as safe and comfortable as possible.
Mr Searancke was unsure if these procedures would remain in place now Habitat for Humanity was no longer involved with The Grand.
Mr Baird said earlier this week he was "working through things at this stage" regarding the management of The Grand.
He declined to comment when asked what security measures would be put in place to ensure the ongoing safety of the residents.
