THOUSANDS of people in Frankston have sought help to secure food and other essential items in the last year.
Community Support Frankston is a not-for-profit helping struggling residents. The charity provides food and essential items like medications, clothes, and household items.
A report prepared by Community Support Frankston shows that more than 2800 people had received help from the not-for-profit in the 2023/2024 financial year. The charity estimates that homelessness has increased by 61.6 percent in Frankston since the last census, which may be driving the increased demand for help.
CSF chairperson Sue Smith said “we are finding more families and mothers who have never previously reached out to us are contacting us for support.” “Of the 2843 unique individuals or families that sought out CSF for support last financial year, over a quarter of those were new clients who had never contacted CSF before. This reflects the growing demand for the services. And while cost of living pressures continue to escalate, some layers of government support are retreating,” Smith said. “This service provides food support, financial aid, advocacy and referrals for anyone located in the Frankston area.”
Residents from Frankston, Frankston South, Karingal, Frankston North, Carrum Downs, Skye, Sandhurst, Seaford, Langwarrin, and Langwarrin South are eligible for support. For more information about Community Support Frankston visit www.frankston.net
First published in the Frankston Times – 27 August 2024