While the housing crisis often leads the news, there are few people that roll up their sleeves to do anything about it.
Auckland woman Danielle Bergin was once homeless herself. Since then she's dedicated her life to helping others in the same situation.
And on Sunday she was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours with a New Zealand Order of Merit.
Sixteen years ago she began by letting homeless families into her op-shop to sleep the night. Now she has 13 tiny houses and four homes in Glen Innes.
It's a safe place for families to grow with access to healthcare, social workers, budgeters, councillors.
"It's just really nice to see people blossom and see people grow and see them achieve their dreams," says Bergin, CEO of the Island Child Charitable Trust.
Josey Wallis spent eight months in the shelter after losing her mum and the roof over her head. She now volunteers, doing residents' hair.
"It's one in a million this place," says Wallis. "I lost a mum and pretty much gained a mum in Dani."
In fact, Dani is mum to a lot of people. Over the years she's helped more than 1000 families into homes.
Now she's got official recognition.
"A very nice letter came and the official letterhead from the Governor-General and I thought 'this is lovely'."
But she says the award isn't just for her.
"It's almost on behalf of my family, I accept the award really because it's a family-run shelter and without my family helping I wouldn't be where we are today."
Bergin hopes to extend her tiny village by another 10 homes so she can help more families in need.
