“With thousands out of work, getting fewer hours, or waiting for unemployment benefits to come through, lockdowns, while essential to protecting people’s health, are disasters for business and individuals’ incomes,” he said.
After running out of fresh food to supply in hampers to the vulnerable, the Salvos have partnered with Foodbank initially for students on visas who have lost work but are not eligible for any government assistance, seniors and other vulnerable community members.
“These hampers contain only dry and long-life items such as milk, rice, pasta, cereal and cans of food; people can come and collect a hamper or with some who are too fearful to leave the house, we can deliver to your front door,” he said.
“There would be under 100 requests for food hampers a week but our bill support phone line never stops ringing.”
Cash relief is available for bills such as power, phone, food and some help towards rent.
“Every case is evaluated on an individual basis so there is no minimum or maximum able to be accessed,” Captain Ashish said.
For residents needing support with a food hamper, call 9646 3767 or for bill help, call 1300 371 288.
