CURRENTLY
In 2004 — 2005 sixty-one per cent of all enquiries to the Centre were enquiries about emergency relief. ER funds and food in-kind distribution totalled over $193,000 including money from the Commonwealth Government, Frankston Magistrates Court, Telstra vouchers, other cash vouchers and donations gifted to the Centre for distribution. Per calendar month, the Centre distributed between $11,000 and $20,000 in material aid consisting of food, chemist (medication, baby nappies and formula), vouchers and bill payment.

The majority of people who request emergency relief live in poverty most of the time. Their financial crisis is not always caused by an extraordinary one-off event requiring them to seek financial and related support from emergency relief agencies; often it is a permanent crisis. We have found that many people seeking assistance do not have savings to tide them over during difficult financial times. Often their relatives and friends have limited financial resources as well and cannot provide financial support to them. It is common for such people to pay more than half their income on rent which leaves them little for other essential costs of daily living. Families on low incomes with school-age children often experience financial crises because of education costs and other expenses relating to their children.

Our assistance is sought between 400 — 500 occasions each month by individuals and families, and the Centre often finds it difficult to cope with the demand on its services with the limited resources available. Only after careful consideration and assessment of a person or family situation, community workers plan options with the person and decide how much assistance can be offered.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF

You must be a resident of Frankston City to be eligible for Emergency Relief assistance. People residing outside this area should contact emergency relief providers in their own municipality.

PLEASE NOTE: ASSISTANCE IS NEVER GIVEN OUT IN THE FORM OF CASH.
 

APPOINTMENTS
Appointments are available for people requesting emergency relief. If you make an appointment before you visit the Centre it may save you the inconvenience of a long wait as the Centre is often very busy.
Phone 9768 1600 for appointments.
 

INFORMATION REQUIRED BY INTERVIEWERS
People requesting emergency relief will be asked to describe the situation which led them to seek assistance. The Centre requires the following information or paperwork for emergency relief assessment:

• Formal identification which states current address (driver's licence, health card, rent receipt etc.)
   

• Details of recently paid and outstanding bills - (rent, gas, electricity, credit cards, personal loans, council rates, water rates, car registration insurance etc.) 
   

• Details of general living expenses (food, clothing, rent, education, motor vehicle costs etc.)
   

• Details of income (Centrelink pension and allowances, wages/salary, Austudy etc.) 

TRAINED VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY WORKERS

Community workers at the Centre are selected because of their interest in helping others and for their warm and caring personalities. Their own life experiences help them to perform their duties competently. All community workers at the Centre have successfully completed the accredited Community Information Worker’s Certificate course. They are taught skills in interviewing, basic counselling, communication and providing information. After completing this course they are required to attend ongoing training to update and improve their skills and to keep them informed of current issues.

EMERGENCY RELIEF INTERVIEWS
Abusive, intimidating, threatening or aggressive behaviour is unacceptable under any circumstances. People exhibiting such behaviour will be asked to leave immediately.

The interviews:

• Will be confidential and take place in a private interview room.

• May include providing support for people who have a temporary and unexpected financial crisis.

• May include help to speak to your debtors.

• May look at ways that emergency relief can relieve your crisis.

• Can ask you to seek assistance from other support services.

• Do not include providing cash.

• Will not result in regular on-going assistance.

• Will be conducted by a trained volunteer community worker.

FIND OTHER LOCAL ASSISTANCE 

•   Food

•   Emergency Relief Agencies

•   Bill Payments

•   Emergency Accommodation and Housing

•   Clothing and Whitegoods

•   Financial Assistance

•   Legal Problems

•   Medical Services

•   Low Cost Haircuts

•   Counselling

•   School Payments