On Monday, solo father Brendon Carter and his three daughters moved into a new house after being homeless since a fire at their Concord address on October 28.
Mr Carter said Housing New Zealand offered the new home days after a fire, caused by a washing machine fault, destroyed almost all of the family's possessions.
Their new Riselaw Rd home marked a ''fresh start'', Mr Carter said.
''I handed the keys to our old house back yesterday.
''Once I got the new ones I was relieved that we had a house and can go back to normal.''
Mr Carter's daughter, Alyssa, said she was ''shocked'' by the outpouring of support the family had received.
''It's surprising how much people in Dunedin care.
''I never thought I would have this much stuff.''
Their new shed and 10 rubbish bags were full of donated items, many of which they intended to give to Women's Refuge and the Salvation Army, Mr Carter said.
Being able to pass on items to others in need was important, Alyssa said.
''I feel like I'm not just taking; you're giving as well.
''We have six toasters - we only need one'', she said, laughing.
Among the many donations the family had been given were firewood, clothing, a cheque for $500 and a leather lounge suite.
Chloe Carter said her cat, Star, was still being treated for smoke inhalation and the new home would not feel right until she arrived.
