The Open Home Foundation of New Zealand was established in 1977 by Ewen and Gillian Laurenson.  Following their difficult experience in running a Social Welfare family home, they began to develop a network of Christian Foster families as an alternative for children and young people placed in Department of Social Welfare care.

The work began in the Laurenson's Johnsonville home with a small group of supporters and within a short period of time, it began to develop in other parts of New Zealand.

In 1986, because of rapid growth, Open Home Foundation became a national organisation.

Both Ewen and Gillian were awarded the Queen's Service Medal for their service to Foster Care in New Zealand in 1995.

In 1991 Open Home Foundation was invited to begin a ministry in India. This led to the development of Open Home Foundation International (OHFI) run by Ewen and Gillian. In 2012 Michael Bravenboer became the Director OHFI. They currently work in partnership with people and organisations in India, Romania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and other countries. To find out more about the international work you can visit their website www.ohfint.co.nz