Australian Chinese Charity Foundation Supports Emergency Relief

In the face of escalating demand for critical support services, our homeless hub Fletcher Street Cottage received a substantial boost from the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation. 

This crucial assistance arrived at a time when our Emergency Relief service was under immense strain, grappling with an unprecedented surge in demand. Over recent years, the compounding effects of the natural disaster floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing cost of living and the local housing crisis has created a perfect storm of challenges for our community.

In 2022, we experienced a staggering 600% increase in demand for Emergency Relief, with our annual spending jumping from $5,000, where it had sat for over a decade, to $35,000. Now in 2024, demand is high. This situation underscores the urgent need for assistance within our community and emphasises the critical role donors and foundations like the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation play in supporting our efforts to provide crucial assistance to those in need.

Emergency Relief serves as a lifeline for individuals and families navigating financial crises. Whether it's assistance with food, personal care items, bill payments, mobile phone credit, fuel costs or other essentials, these seemingly small forms of aid can have a profound impact on someone's life. By addressing immediate needs, Emergency Relief programs help prevent people from spiralling further into crisis and provide some much-needed stability during periods of uncertainty. 

The $10,000 grant from the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation makes a very real difference to our community. With an average of $50 per visit, this translates to 200 people receiving crucial support during a moment of crisis, underscoring the far-reaching impact of this grant.

As demand for Emergency Relief continues to rise, the support from organisations like the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation is invaluable. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the assistance they need during challenging times. This grant represents more than just financial aid - it symbolises hope and resilience in the face of adversity, empowering us to build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.