COMMUNITY Support Frankston is expanding its services.
The charity’s manager Steve Phillips said “the need for emergency support, such as food and medicine, and assistance with utility bills and housing, has risen dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Over the last year, CSF has seen record numbers of new families and individuals reaching out for support – these are people who have never needed emergency relief before. Seventy per cent of all clients now accessing CSF services are also self-disclosing either a physical or mental health issue, and in many cases, it’s both,” he said.
“The expansion of services at CSF includes providing hot takeaway meals, fresh fruit, phone cards and personal protective equipment for our homeless community.
“Many of our clients are not eligible for income support and are reliant solely on us for their basic needs. This includes people on certain visas who are not eligible for government support and are still out of work due to the pandemic.”
Frankston Council allocated $500,000 in grant funding to the organisation in its 2021/2022 budget.
The charity responded to 15,722 individual requests for assistance last year, double the figure from 2019. In the first three months of 2021 it has responded to 5,903 individual requests of assistance.
Community Support Frankston is currently seeking volunteers, food, and financial assistance.
To fill out a volunteer application form visit frankston.net/volunteering