Werribee has the third-highest number of unemployed residents in the state, according to the latest figures.
The March quarter small-area labour market statistics show that 2078 Werribee residents are out of work – up from 1648 at the same time last year.
Dandenong and Corio have the state’s highest jobless numbers.
In the year to March, Werribee’s unemployment rate rose from 9.6 per cent to 11.5 per cent, compared to the state average of 6.5 per cent.
Hoppers Crossing (7.7 per cent), Truganina (6.8), Werribee South (7.0) and Wyndham Vale (8.5) also had jobless rates higher than the state average.
In Tarneit, 5.9 per cent of people are unemployed, while 3.7 per cent of Point Cook residents don’t have a job.
Wyndham Salvation Army captain Lance Jeffrey said the organisation’s welfare arm had noticed a recent surge in unemployed people looking for support.
“We’re experiencing an influx of families we haven’t seen before that are with us because people have recently lost jobs,” he said.
“This is because people who are retrenched or sacked are facing a large turnaround time before they can receive benefits. Unemployment is impacting on families.”
Mr Jeffrey said the Salvation Army could help people connect with unemployment and other services, and help their families through the tough times.
He said the organisation could provide food and food vouchers, clothing, furniture vouchers and, in some cases, small amounts of money to help with bills.
The Salvation Army also provides free community meals every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for those in need.
“We really feel for families who are struggling and doing it tough,” Mr Jeffrey said.
