Emergency Financial Assistance

The Emergency Relief program provides short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in immediate financial crisis. It can be one-off assistance, or it may involve a referral to the Financial Wellbeing and Capability program to identify and assist with underlying concerns.

How we help

We can assist clients in immediate financial crisis with:

Referrals to relevant services
Food vouchers
Utility bills
Assistance with budgeting

At Lutheran Care, we believe our communities are stronger when each and every person feels included and cared for. Founded 50 years ago on the principles of the Lutheran Church, we have always been champions of advocacy and equity, serving the needs and fighting for the rights of those who have fallen through the cracks of the system. Ours is a powerful and persistent voice for the voiceless. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, we will walk side by side with you, regardless of cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, belief systems or circumstances. Beyond working to have a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives, we are determined to build hope, understanding and drive long-term systematic change. Unbound by convention, we are leaders in our sector and community, always exploring new, innovative ways of helping people find comfort and purpose. We seek no reward or recognition beyond doing what’s right for our people. This is what inspires and drives us. It is the source of our unity and our strength. Caring and warm, we are guided by faith and compassion, always listening, advocating and building stronger communities where people can belong and thrive.

Lutheran Care is committed to reducing barriers and encouraging inclusion and participation in the community of people with a disability, people of all ages, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people, and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

FINANCIAL COUNSELLING, CAPABILITY & RESILIENCE HUB

The Hub assists people in financial difficulty to address their financial problems. Financial Counsellors and Financial Capability Workers assist clients one on one and in workshops helping them to know how to manage their money, develop saving plans and budgeting. This service covers Central Australia region and includes 33 remote communities and Alice Springs.

• Financial Counsellors

Counsellors support clients with personal financial difficulties, undertake in depth assessments of a client’s financial situation and work with them to increase their capability to make informed decisions in resolving personal financial difficulties. Advice includes debt management, negotiating with creditors, budgeting, bankruptcy, credit laws and eligibility for government assistance. Make an appointment for a free professional and confidential chat.

• Financial Capability Workers

Financial Capability Workers provide one on one and group sessions to assist clients with basic financial literacy, education and support as well as delivering community education sessions.

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Emergency relief is for people who are in a crisis situation and dependant on need can include food, food vouchers, blankets, clothing and where needed referrals to other support. This service is available every morning of the week Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon.

KWATJA ETATHA PLAYGROUP

Kwatja Etatha (Arrente for Living Waters) Playgroup runs intensively supported ‘play sessions’ where families are encouraged to interact with their children through structured play activities. Playgroup sessions run during school terms on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 11.30 am. Transport to and from Playgroup is provided.

FAMILIES LEARNING TOGETHER

Supported by Anglicare ‘Families Learning Together’ offers interactive workshops for parents including Circle of Security and learning experiences for families and parents on Babies and Toddlers Development, Caring for Young Children and Babies, Hygiene and Safety

INTENSIVE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE (IFSS)

This programme at Ntaria (Hermannsburg) aims to reduce child neglect through building on family strengths and supporting families to build their capacity to meet the needs of their children. Families requiring support are referred from other agencies.

Emergency relief helps people to address their immediate basic needs in times of financial crisis or hardship through material or financial aid (e.g. vouchers, clothes and food parcels). Support is offered in a way that maintains the dignity of individuals and families and encourages self-reliance. As well as financial and material support, we also link people with services in the community to help them address the challenges that are affecting their financial wellbeing. Funded by the Dept. of Social Services (DSS).

A principle operation of The Gathering is the emergency relief program. The emergency relief program is operated in conjunction with the Baptist Bush Church. Emergency relief program outlets are operated at each of the location listed below. From these outlets people may access food parcels and other emergency relief support including, a variety of social services, mentoring, job-ready training, preparation of resumes, basic budgeting, counselling and interagency referrals. From these outlets children’s craft groups and social activities for adults also operate. Activities include darts, pool competitions, or just a chat. Clients accessing these outlets are encouraged to participate in other activities of the Gathering’s sub-groups. The Gathering is also registered a facilitator for those carrying out community work orders.

The Domestic and Family Violence Program consist of The Domestic and Family Violence Centre, the Keeping Women Safe in Their Homes Program and individual counselling for women who have experienced domestic and family violence.

The Domestic and Family Violence Centre helps those who are fleeing domestic and family violence, by providing:

• crisis accommodation
• safety planning
• referrals
• information
• individualised plans
• support