THE GRANT OF SUPPORT
MORE refugees will be put in housing and offered critical support thanks to an $80,000 grant from the Geelong Community Foundation, the organisation says.
Regional refugee support agency Diversitat will use the money to support those who have come to Australia in need of humanitarian support.
Diversitat settlement services manager Casey O’Brien said the grant would have
“direct positive impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of people”.
“New arrivals have traumatic pre-arrival experiences. Their personal circumstances vary, but all include surviving life in a war zone, civil conflict, refugee camps, torture, death and family separation,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Many arrive in Geelong with no bank accounts, no credit history, no personal documentation and no English language skills. In this situation, it is almost impossible to find secure accommodation without assistance.”
Geelong Community Foundation chief executive Gail Rodgers said its grant focus had shifted to ensure funding was directed to areas most impacted by COVID-19, including food security, mental health and isolation.
“Development of strong partnerships between the community and commercial sectors, such as real estate, is critical to facilitate strong outcomes for vulnerable people. Building cultural awareness and facilitation of positive outcomes is a win for the community,” Ms Rodgers said.
The Geelong Community Foundation has capital of more than $25 million. Income derived from this has funded more than $8.7 million in community grants since 2001.