Supporting families in crisis in Deakin

The Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins and the Member for Deakin, Mike Symon today announced four community organisations in Deakin will share in more than $830,000 over the next three years.

Ms Collins and Mr Symon toured the Wesley Mission Homelessness and Support Centre at Ringwood which will receive more than $300,000 to provide support to local residents in crisis.

“Four community organisations in Ringwood, East Burwood and surrounding suburbs will benefit from more than $830,000 in secure funding over the next three years,” Ms Collins said.

“This funding will ensure local organisations can continue to help locals in need by providing emergency relief.

“Emergency relief organisations provide families and individuals in need with food and clothing, pharmacy and transport vouchers and help to pay accommodation and utility bills.”

For the first time local organisations will be offered funding over three years.

Mr Symon said the additional funding over the next three years will help local organisations to meet the high demand for emergency relief in the community.

“Local organisations got a funding boost to provide extra emergency relief during the global financial crisis,” Mr Symon said.

“We know that some people are still doing it tough, and that’s why the Government is providing additional funding for emergency relief. These organisations know how to make this money go a long way to helping many people in our community.”

This is part of a funding boost of $171.9 million over four years for emergency relief and financial counselling services, and innovative projects such as low-interest loans and matched savings schemes delivered in the 2011-12 Budget.