More loaves and fishes for Exodus

Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, today visited the Exodus Foundation to announce a $380,000 funding boost to help support the inner city organisation.

Ms Macklin met with Reverend Bill Crews today at the Exodus Foundation & Ashfield Parish Mission in Ashfield.

Ms Macklin and Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, said the funding recognised the foundation’s invaluable work in helping the homeless and vulnerable in Sydney’s inner west.

‘Every day, hundreds of people rely on the Exodus Foundation for a nutritious meal,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘The number of people who come to the Loaves & Fishes Free Restaurant has increased by around 60 per cent over the past year.

‘We know that people are under increasing financial pressure and organisations such as the Exodus Foundation help provide an important support service for vulnerable Australians.’

Mr Albanese said the Australian Government valued the enormous contribution made by community organisations in Sydney’s inner west.

‘This funding boost will help the Exodus Foundation continue their fantastic work helping people doing it tough in Sydney’s inner west,’ Mr Albanese said.

‘Investment by governments, families and communities is essential in supporting a combined effort to protect vulnerable people in our community,’

‘Exodus not only provides nutritious meals for the homeless and vulnerable, it also provides counselling, emergency relief, advocacy and legal advice.’

The funding boost is provided through the Australian Government Community Investment Program.