General News
18 March, 2024
More battlers in need of support
The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on the Wimmera's most vulnerable, with record numbers of people seeking food and financial assistance.
The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on the Wimmera's most vulnerable, with record numbers of people seeking food and financial assistance.
Many battling local families are pleading for help for the first time, with more people than ever desperate for food or money to cover their basic needs.
"The recent weeks have been the busiest days we have seen," said Bev Miatke, of the region's Christian Emergency Food Centre.
"A couple of weeks ago we had 34 people come in - and we're not just feeding 34 people, it's 34 people plus their families.
"We're only open for two and a half hours a day, so to feed 34 people was very busy."
Normally the centre sees only about a dozen people.
"The average is going up every day," Ms Miatke said.
As secretary and client assessment manager, Ms Miatke is the only permanent employee at the non-profit centre, overseen by the Horsham Christian Ministers' Association.
The centre was established in 1998 and has helped thousands of people in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee.
It began with just a handful of volunteers working in premises provided rent-free by Horsham Rural City Council. Today it is staffed by around 85 volunteers.
Now they are seeing the busiest start to the new year since the Covid pandemic.
"The cost-of-living is ridiculous," Ms Maitke said.
"Accommodation and rent are so high, it's so hard to cope,"
She has witnessed first-hand the impact constant rises in rent, groceries, utilities and now schooling have had on those doing it tough.
And so many people they see have no fixed address because they can't afford any accommodation - even though some of them have jobs.
"We helped pay for someone to buy a cheap car because that's what they were going to live in," Ms Maitke said.
The centre can also contribute towards expenses such as medical prescriptions, utility bills and car registration.
"We don't pay for all of it, just a part of it," Ms Maitke said.
"We're also an advocate for people with their utility company."
CEFC volunteers also collect food from local supermarkets and bakeries.
Anyone can make a financial donation, either by cash or card, by visiting the centre or through the website.
Donations of freshly grown fruit and vegetables are also most welcome.
"Some people go and buy things and then come in with shopping bags full of donations," Ms Miatke said.
"We have an amazing community that's very generous. They know it's going to stay here or in the local district."
Ms Miatke said it was absolutely heartbreaking to see so many people in need, but said it was a real privilege to help them.
"People know there are organisations that care about their situation," she said.
"If they need something we don't have we will refer them on to Vinnes or the Salvos or other agencies around town.
"They do the same for us if they get someone who needs food."
And everyone who visits is treated with the utmost respect.
Volunteers try their best to make the experience easy, comfortable and non-judgemental, and intake interviews are strictly confidential.
They aren't pushed to tell their story - they are accepted as they are.
"I don't know their story just by looking at them," Ms Miatke said.
"You can't just assume what they've been through.
"Every day I ask myself, what situation would I have to be in to come and ask strangers for help?
"The fact they walk through those doors for help is enough.
"It's such a hard thing to do. If anyone needs help, please come in and ask."
The Christian Emergency Food Centre is based at 28 Firebrace Street, Horsham. It is open on Mondays to Fridays from 1pm to 3.45pm.
For more information visit www.cefc.org.au or call 5381 2311.