Doorways feeds and warms the needy

THE Salvation Army’s social initiatives are supporting long-term and new clients to be fed, clothed and warm through the pandemic and winter.

Ballarat Doorways Emergency Relief is running five days a week from 9.15am through to 2pm, collecting food through SecondBite, and sourcing clothing and bedding from Thrift Shop stores to distribute to members of the public in need.

Also assisted by the 3BA Winter Appeal, Doorways team leader, John Clonan said clients can access assessments over the phone before they visit the Eureka Street hub, or utilise the delivery service supported by the City of Ballarat.

“People present here to collect their food or vouchers from our volunteers who are not in an at-risk health group,” he said.

“Anyone who’s experiencing hardship because of COVID is most welcome. We’re getting a lot of new clients, and we’re respectful of their socioeconomic situation and income status.

“We’re seeing increased numbers of international students, casual employees, people who have become redundant, people not eligible for JobKeeper.”

Mr Clonan said some people have been apprehensive to approach Doorways, but the community should be mindful that the emergency relief program’s team is non-judgemental and there to address individual needs.

“There’s a lot of pressure on families. Those people might feel embarrassed, but we’re here to assist those really struggling.

“Kids home from school are eating more, utility costs are increased, and it’s been a cold start to winter, so we’re finding people have less ability to purchase food,” he said.

“Particularly also elderly people have been seeking assistance and delivery of services. It’s often difficult for them to ring up… Its humbling to seek assistance.”

At the Ballarat Community Church, the Salvos currently provide takeaway lunches from their meals program, Café 102. Each Tuesday and Thursday three or four volunteers serve around 70 people from varying backgrounds.

“We see a lot of people living rough, some are socially isolated, a lot of older people, the homeless, families who are experiencing issues around COVID-19 unemployment and casual employment,” Mr Clonan said.

“Normally we’d sit down and have a three-course meal with six tables and eight volunteers, but the takeaway system will continue on for some time until the regulations change.”

Doorways also facilitates Tribe Lunches every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The program distributes 150 healthy lunches, with a sandwich, piece of fruit and something sweet, to students in six primary and two secondary schools across the city.

“We have three volunteers and a driver when we run our Tribe Lunches, delivering to greatly appreciative schools,” Mr Clonan said.

“We also have a Ballarat Community Men’s Shed up at Barkly Square which is resuming under COVID-19 conditions, with small groups every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.”

Encouraging people to make donations to this year’s virtual Red Shield Appeal, the Digital Doorknock, Mr Clonan said all funds raised for the local campaign will keep these programs operational.

Major Rhonda Elkington, corps officer at the Ballarat Community Church said raising this cash online in the COVID climate has proved challenging.

“We’re almost to $25,000, and now hoping we’ll realise $30,000. It would be absolutely fantastic under the current circumstances,” she said.

“I believe that’s doable. The appeal doesn’t close until June 30. Sometimes people leave it to the last minute to donate, or want to get it in just before the end of the financial year for tax purposes.

“If you haven’t already got on board, please do so. $30,000 would be amazing.”

Visit digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/t/greater-ballarat-salvos to support the local campaign.

Any food items or blankets can be donated to the Ballarat Community Church. As part of the 3BA Winter Appeal, excess will be shared amongst other agencies – Uniting, Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul.

If you require any assistance from the Doorways program or financial counselling, contact 5337 0600.