Individuals and families living in inner Melbourne can now access personalised support and emergency relief services five days a week at Anglicare Victoria’s Mission House, thanks to the generous support of Newcrest Mining Ltd.
Mission House, which has been providing support to families since 1886, has been transformed into a ‘one stop shop’ delivering specialised options of emergency relief to people in need.
In an attempt to make sure everyone is looked after and the community remains safe, those who need to isolate as a result of the pandemic can request to have an emergency relief pack delivered to their home.
Anglicare Victoria has partnered with other local community agencies to assist vulnerable Victorians in the area and provide clients with access to additional services such as: mental health, drug and alcohol support, financial counselling, parenting and life skills.
Paul McDonald, CEO of Anglicare Victoria said:
“We are offering a really special type of service now at Mission House, we’re trialling an approach which works to provide people with support in various parts of their lives. Thanks to Newcrest’s generosity, we have been able to extend our operating hours to five days a week, provide additional specialised support and education, and financial counselling on top of the traditional emergency relief services. This model allows us to make an even greater impact with Victorian families, as well as international students and refugees in one of the most challenging years we have seen in several generations,” Mr McDonald said.
“Mission House has a long history of supporting to those who need it. And 2020 has seen an unprecedented demand for support as more and more people are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. We are proud that we have been able to step up our support offering this year and create a safe community space for those of us who need an extra hand up.”
Lisa Ali, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Newcrest Mining Ltd said:
“Newcrest is proud to support Anglicare Victoria and the Mission House initiative as part of our A$20 million Community Support Fund, which is funding programs like this in the communities in which we operate around the world to help respond to the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We believe that the provision of a comprehensive suite of services at one location, helps people and their families access the support they need to get back on their feet during these challenging times.”
Ayen Tong is a Diploma of Community Services student, a single mother to her two-year-old daughter and has been accessing Mission House’s services for close to six months. Ayen said:
“I was referred to Mission House because I could not afford nappies for my baby after I had paid all my bills. I was really happy to learn that there was support nearby and that they could help me with my child’s needs.
“Mission House has also provided me with food parcels that include fresh fruit and vegetables, which I am very grateful for. Once I have finished studying I look forward to getting a job, but at the moment as a single mum it is difficult to afford my bills, as well as food and everything else I need to look after my daughter.”
Mission House is located at 118-120 Napier Street, Fitzroy and is open Monday to Friday 10:00am – 2:30pm. Contact Mission House by calling 03 9486 0445 or emailing missionhouse@anglicarevic.org.au
