Thousands of people and families in financial crisis have been able to find some emergency relief thanks to a vital Samaritans service.
Since its inception, Samaritans has worked alongside local parishes and other organisations to deliver Emergency Relief (ER) to vulnerable members in the community.
The service helps people deal with their immediate situation in a way that maintains dignity and encourages self-reliance.
Food parcels, clothing, financial options and other support is offered to around 4,800 cases every year.
The Emergency Relief program operates at six centres: Broadmeadow, Toronto, Cessnock, Rutherford, Gorokan, and Taree.
Coordinator Beth Hanna says the centres are usually close to capacity and generally fill all available appointments.
“Samaritans has supported some of the most vulnerable people in our community for decades,” she says.
Over the past 15 years, we’ve provided support to more than 113,000 emergency relief cases. These cases could be an individual or family, so the true number of people supported through our centres is far in excess of what the data shows.
“Emergency Relief is also very well supported by many local parishes and organisations with donations of non-perishable food that ensures we can offer overnight food parcels to people unable to get an appointment.
“In the last financial year, we have distributed about $55,000 in overnight food parcels to people.”
Samaritans has six Intensive Support Workers who undertake all case interviews, while a handful of volunteers provide administrative support.
Cases are actively referred to other services within Samaritans network.
This includes financial counsellors, services that offer drug and alcohol programs or counselling for problem gamblers, and options for people with mental health issues or those who are homeless.
Samaritans Emergency Relief centres rely on donations from the local community.
A small donation can make a big difference. The centres are always looking for donations of non- perishable food and toiletry/cleaning items.
Find out more about our Emergency Relief service, locations and ways you can donate here.
