A $50,000 cash injection is helping ensure Wyndham residents in need can still access emergency food aid.
Fundraising group Share, part of the UnitingCare Church Services state body, pledged the money to UnitingCare Werribee Support and Housing in light of a $271 million federal government cut to social service grants nationwide.
The cuts would have left a 15 per cent shortfall in service funding for the emergency relief program, which helps residents without enough money to buy food or pay for utilities.
The program helps almost 4000 households, involving more than 6000 individuals, during crises each year.
Share deputy executive Sue Moger said that without the grant the agency would have been forced to scale back its food voucher and parcel service. “Share grants have become more significant than ever,” Ms Moger said.
“The grant allows us to continue to purchase basic food items and give them to locals.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve had an increase of residents who have had their utilities disconnected,” she said. “There is a real need.”
Ms Moger said government funding cuts and increasing numbers of people needing emergency help made the service more important than ever.
“We believe locals are entitled to have basic needs met, including access to food and shelter,” she said.
“We’re committed to helping eligible Wyndham residents who walk through our doors, giving them a sense of hope that there are places they can turn to.
“With the cost of living pushing families to the brink, we’re committed to continuing the established and reputable service.”
