The Beginning
Built on care, community and faith
Vincent House Trust began with a simple but powerful vision: to create a place of life, care and new beginnings for people who needed support, stability and hope.
The story began in the 1980s, when Te Puke Baptist Church recognised a serious accommodation need in the district, especially among teenagers and young adults who were struggling to find suitable places to live. In May 1986, a planning application was presented to the local County Council for a hostel to help meet this need.
The beginnings of Vincent House were marked by generosity and community support.
An old motel building became available on what was then the corner of a mill property. Although the building looked run-down, its structure was sound and it was suitable for removal. Church members had already been exploring ways to support young people, and the idea grew that the old motel could be used for Christian accommodation and care.
HW Hooper Ltd generously gifted the building, along with the cost of its removal.
A block of land on No. 3 Road was then donated by Rob and Joy Vincent, members of Te Puke Baptist Church. This is where the name Vincent House came from.
Moved by volunteers, built by community
The old motel was cut into sections and moved less than a kilometre to its new site on No. 3 Road. From the beginning, the project relied on donated materials, second-hand resources and many hours of volunteer labour. Builders, tradespeople, church members, local businesses and community supporters all helped turn the old motel into a place of care.
More than 175 different people were involved on site over 240 working days, contributing more than 7,000 voluntary hours.
Opening the doors
Vincent House officially opened on 14 June 1987. More than 300 people from the community attended the opening, where local leaders, church representatives and supporters gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Soon after opening, Vincent House was full, with 20 residents accepted into the home. From the start, the focus was not only on accommodation, but on care, responsibility, work, personal growth and belonging.
The dream takes shape
Historical Timeline
1981
A seed is planted
The beginnings of Vincent House trace back to a difficult moment when a man was found deceased in an old motel building near a local timber mill.
This had a deep impact on Evan Necklen, who later prayed through the building, asking that it would become “a place of life and new beginnings.”
1986
Land is donated on No. 3 Road
Rob and Joy Vincent donated land on No. 3 Road for the project. This gift gave Vincent House its name and provided the place where the vision could become reality.
14 June 1987
Vincent House officially opens
Vincent House officially opened on Sunday, 14 June 1987. More than 300 people from the community attended the opening, with local leaders, church representatives and supporters present.
1988–1989
Facilities are expanded
As the number of residents grew, Vincent House needed more space. Plans were made for a larger lounge, indoor recreation area, office space and additional accommodation for house parents and assistants. Building work began in July 1988, and the new buildings opened in June 1989.
1990
Land secured for semi-independent units
Rob Vincent offered to sell additional land beside the Vincent House site. The purpose was to build units for residents who were ready for more independence but still needed counsel, support and community.
23 August 1995
Vincent House becomes a charitable trust
Vincent House began as an initiative of Te Puke Baptist Church. As the work grew and the need for ongoing funding increased, Vincent House became a separate charitable trust on 23 August 1995.
1985
The old motel becomes available
In December 1985, HW Hooper Ltd decided to upgrade its road frontage and offered the old motel for sale and removal. Although the building looked run down, it was structurally sound and suitable for relocation.
The company later gifted the building to the church, along with the cost of removal.
1986–1987
Volunteers build Vincent House
The project was built with donated materials, second-hand resources and many volunteer hours. More than 175 people were involved on site over 240 working days, contributing more than 7,000 voluntary hours.
1987–1988
The hostel begins to grow
In the early years, Vincent House operated as a caring, family-like home. Residents came from a range of backgrounds and were supported through care, structure, work expectations and encouragement to make progress in their lives.
1989
The farm begins
As work and routine became an important part of resident support, a 24-acre farm on Maungarangi Road was leased to Vincent House. Residents worked with animals, gardens and general maintenance, helping build structure, skills and self-esteem.
1993–1996
Semi-independent units are built
Construction began in 1993. Four units were completed in 1994, six by 1995, and the final two were finished in 1996. These units created an important next step between hostel living and fully independent living.
1995
The Homestead is purchased
The former Vincent family home was purchased, along with land behind the units and hostel. Over time, the house became known as The Homestead, providing another step toward independence for residents moving on from the units.
As the work developed, Vincent House expanded its facilities and support. New spaces were added, including a larger lounge, recreation area, office and additional accommodation for staff. Later, the Trust developed semi-independent units to help residents take the next step from hostel living into greater independence.
These units provided a supported pathway for people who were ready to move forward but still needed care, guidance and community. Construction of the semi-independent units began in 1993, with units completed progressively through to 1996.
Growing to meet changing needs
A home with heart
In the early years, Vincent House was described as a loving, caring home where people from a range of ages, backgrounds and life experiences could live together with support, structure and encouragement.
The first house-parent managers, Grant and Judy Bowen, helped shape the culture of the home. The emphasis was on care, practical support, work, personal progress and a family-like environment. Residents were expected to follow rules and take steps forward in their lives, while being supported with generosity, guidance and respect.
A Trust for the future
Vincent House began as an initiative of Te Puke Baptist Church. As the work grew and the need for ongoing support increased, a separate charitable trust was formed. On 23 August 1995, Vincent House became a charitable trust with non-profit status.
Over the years, trustees, staff, volunteers, supporters and residents have all contributed to the ongoing story of Vincent House. The work has adapted through many seasons, but the heart has remained the same: to provide care, stability and hope for people who need support.