Eight charitable organisations have shared in $150,000 in grant funds from the City of Newcastle to help face challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The funding rollout was announced Tuesday and will help charities prepare meals and care packages for those in need, as well as purchase IT equipment for disadvantaged young people to continue studying during social isolation, and help victims of domestic violence access online counselling.
BaptistCare HopeStreet's Craig Budden said their $25,000 share of the grant would help provide food support and material assistance to meet a huge increase in demand at the organisation's Wallsend and Mayfield centres.
"The extra funding will mean we are able to provide more emergency relief care-packs, Woolworths and Coles vouchers, hand sanitiser, cleaning products and other emergency relief items like petrol, sleeping bags and pharmacy products, as well as more takeaway food through our outreach van," Mr Budden said.
The grant will also help fund the HopeStreet food delivery service that we have started to ensure those who are experiencing food insecurity but are self-isolating or quarantining can still receive food support.
Another round of community funding totalling $550,000 is also being offered under the City's Community and Economic Development Resilience Package.
The Boost our City Community Grants of up to $30,000 will help organisations directly support community health and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
"These additional grants are aimed at supporting existing service providers to cope with increased urgency and demand in the provision of support services, such as food supply, supported living and community transport, to name a few," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"Whether it's for someone with complex health needs but limited access to technology to continue getting that vital care, or someone who has lost their job and is seeking help for the first time, we know these grants will go a long way to helping our community."
The Boost our City grant is open until June 30. Further details are available on the City's website.
OZ Harvest, Soul Café, Grainery Church, Got Your Back Sista, Justiz Community, BaptistCare HopeStreet, Awabakal and a local women's and children's refuge have all received a share of the City's rapid response grants.
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