Esther Lauaki
2209hampers
By Esther Lauaki
Duke Street Community House is supplying up to 30 essential food hampers a week to Brimbank residents in need and is offering training courses to help those left unemployed as a result of the pandemic.
Manager Lana Bedford said the community had been hit hard by the pandemic and many are struggling to afford the basics.
“Victoria is currently experiencing the worst health and economic crisis in its history,” Ms Bedford said.
“At Duke Street Community House, we have certainly seen first-hand the toll that the pandemic is having on the people of our community.
“Not just from an economic perspective, but the impact that the current restrictions are also having on the emotional and mental wellbeing of our residents.
“Never before have we experienced so many people in desperate need of support.”
Duke Street Community House has been providing a wide range of programs and support for the community including family support (childcare), online learning and emergency relief.
The organisation is also a Learn Local provider which offers a range of quality pre-accredited training courses to improve literacy, numeracy and digital skills, particularly among more vulnerable learners.
“Indeed, with unemployment expected to reach unprecedented levels over the coming months, the role of Learn Locals will never be more important in terms of helping vulnerable cohorts to reskill and upskill with a view to getting them back into paid employment,” Ms Bedford said.
“Whilst the current pandemic has resulted in the closure of many local services, DSCH along with over 400 other Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria, have rapidly adapted to provide a range of much-needed services to the people of Victoria.
“The kindness and generosity of the community has been phenomenal as we have set up this program without any funding.
Duke Street Community House is run by volunteers and food is donated by local businesses including Central West Bakery, the Sikh Temple in Plumpton and Second Chance Animal Rescue.
The program is accepting donations of dried goods on Tuesday between 10am and noon.
