Cade Lucas
One of Brimbank’s major emergency support providers is appealing for community assistance following a dramatic increase in demand for its services in the past year.
Uniting Vic.Tas is launching its 2024 ‘ Share the Warmth’ Winter Appeal to raise funds so clothing, food and a safe place to stay can be provided to those in need.
The charity provider claims that demand for its services has risen by 70 per cent in the past 12 months, including a significant surge in online inquiries for financial counselling (up 173 per cent), bills assistance (up 35 per cent) and food vouchers (up 21 per cent).
According to Uniting Vic.Tas senior manager, Becky Herridge, Brimbank and surrounding council areas were among those worst affected.
“We’re experiencing growing demand from families in crisis right across the western and north-western suburbs,” Ms Herridge said.
“The cost of living is really biting and we’re seeing people who we’ve never seen before, people who can’t afford to live, people who might be working and have jobs, but who just can’t make ends meet and put food on the table for their families.
“We’re really calling on people from our community, we know so many people are struggling right now, but if you have the capacity, please consider donating to Uniting Vic.Tas 2024 Winter Appeal.”
Uniting has emergency relief services offering support to people in crisis across Melbourne’s west.
Among those who can vouch for the benefit of such support is Stacie, who sought assistance from Uniting when struggling to find housing with limited rental history.
“Uniting helped me into a short-term transitional home providing stability to raise my child safely,” Stacie said.
“Without Uniting, I’d probably be (living) in a caravan park.”
With help from Uniting, Stacie built a positive rental history and secured a home for her family.
“The best part about my new home is the stability (it provides), ” she added.
“It’s a place where my son can grow without having to move constantly – it puts us at ease.“
Details: www.unitingvictas.org.au/winter/
