By Oliver Lees
Local social service organisations are adapting to lockdown restrictions in order to keep supporting the community.
Located on Brantome Street, Gisborne Foodbank has remained open throughout the lockdown, providing basic food and pantry items to those in need.
Gisborne Foodbank committee secretary Julie Ireland said the organisation has seen an increase in demand for its services during the pandemic.
“We have clients that come in every week and others that have periodic needs,” Ms Ireland said.
“It’s hard for people to ask for help, everybody goes through tough times, we try to foster an environment where everyone feels safe.
“Following COVIDSafe procedures we’ve had to change the way we operate a bit but we’re still getting plenty of donations.”
The Foodbank relies on donations from the community, including local supermarkets and organisations.
According to data collected by the Foodbank staff, they provided services for approximately 219 adults and 148 children in April.
In total, that amounted to 850 kilograms of community-donated food.
Meanwhile, the Sunbury Winter Shelter has had to pause its services until coronavirus restrictions ease.
The Sunbury Winter Shelter, which first ran in 2019, has recruited more than 200 volunteers this year to provide 24/7 care to homeless people in the community.
Sunbury Winter Shelter project co-ordinator Chris Prosser said she hopes it can be back up and running soon.
“We’ve got volunteers who are coming from Mill Park and Werribee, it’s such a caring community,” she said.
“I’m gobsmacked by the generosity of people.
“I’m just really hoping that homeless people are still brave enough to come forward and ask for help after this most recent outbreak.”
Ms Prosser added that if everything goes to plan, they intend to begin their service on Saturday, June 12.
Sunbury Winter Shelter is currently redirecting calls for immediate assistance to VincentCare.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, you can contact Sunbury Winter Shelter on 0497 216 118.
