By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville Inter-Church Community Care Inc (HICCI) became one of the recipients of the Federal Government funding program.
The Federal Government has announced that Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers in Melbourne’s east will share in more than $14.4 million in 2023-24 in funding to help meet increased demand for services.
The funding boost will allow local Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers to provide an increase in access to essential items, such as vouchers, food, and clothing.
It will help respond to Australians in need, particularly after natural disasters and recent severe weather events.
Federal social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the Federal Government realised the need for action to support Australians.
“Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers can be a lifeline to those in need and there must be an adequate supply of frontline support services during these challenging times,” she said.
“We remain dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of every Australian, and this funding will make a meaningful difference to the lives of those seeking support through Emergency and Food Relief services.”
HICCI will receive a $20,939 grant as part of this funding program.
HICCI emergency relief manager Sheree Laumen said the fund would boost the Emergency Relief program that HICCI has been providing for the community for over 30 years.
“The primary focus of our Emergency Relief program is to help people with food, we have staple food items here that people can help themselves with and we provide food vouchers for our local Coles,” she said.
“Anyone who’s struggling in our catchment area is welcome to come in, we also can help people who are having trouble with paying power bills or other bills.
“We will not change our program but the fund will help increase the quality of our service as clients now need a lot more assistance because of the high cost of living.”
HICCI’s services are based on donations and volunteers from the community.
“We have a great community here that helps us with donations of food and money,” Ms Laumen said.
“They’re all gratefully received because the government funding doesn’t cover the whole program.”
HICCI is calling for more volunteers for its Transport Assistance service.
For more information, please visit HICCI’s website, www.hicci.org.au/volunteer
