A VITAL service supporting homeless people in Geelong has received much-needed funding in the latest round of the City of Greater Geelong\u2019s Community Grants.<\/p>\n
The Lazarus Community Centre is entirely community-funded, and deputy chair Gareth Kent says the $350,000 Community Infrastructure Grant is the first time a government body has provided financial support to the centre.<\/p>\n
Based in central Geelong and open seven days a week, the centre has helped about 7,000 people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage over the past 12 months – including a record 852 in November alone – and will use the grant to upgrade its kitchen, bathroom and dining facilities.<\/p>\n
The Lazarus team officially received the grant from the city at a ceremony just before the centre\u2019s annual Christmas lunch, held last week.<\/p>\n
At the same ceremony, Volume Group chief executive officer Dean Montgomery revealed the community house\u2019s lease would be fixed at $1 per annum for the next two decades, and Mr Kent paid the rent in advance with a $20 note.<\/p>\n
Mr Kent said the two announcements would make a major impact on the Geelong community, and especially those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.<\/p>\n
\u201cLazarus Community Centre has become an important piece in the ability for the community to access those that are disadvantaged and provide them with connection back into society.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the centre gave people access to multiple housing providers such as Neami, Home Haven and the Salvation Army, and also provided a place for nurses and doctors from Barwon Health to reach both homeless and socially isolated people, which also included delivering COVID-19 vaccines.<\/p>\n
\u201cLazarus has become a hub, a connection place, and a place where love and support can be provided to those who need it the most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other speakers at last week\u2019s event included Corio federal member Richard Marles, who has volunteered at Lazarus during the year; and Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan.<\/p>\n
The city announced last week it had endorsed the awarding of 34 Community Infrastructure Grants and five Geelong Heritage Grants totalling more than $3 million.<\/p>\n
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher thanked all applicants for putting forward their projects, which were assessed by an independent panel.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations to the 40 successful grant applicants and thank you to the independent panel for their work in assessing applications against the relevant criteria.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Greater Geelong community will benefit greatly from these diverse, inclusive projects initiated by a broad range of clubs and organisations and supported by the city through the three funding streams.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise how important it is for our community to reconnect and re-energise after the challenges of the past two years; these projects can bring clubs and facilities back to life and inspire people to get involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cCricket nets and bowling greens at Lara, new fencing for the Grovedale Community Garden, a workshop extension for the Bellarine Woodworkers, a master plan to upgrade Geelong\u2019s ballroom dance facilities and a refurbishment of the Hellenic Orthodox community hall are just some of the fantastic projects the Community Infrastructure Grants will support.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information about the grants and the full list of successful 2021-22 Community Grant applicants, head to the City of Greater Geelong’s website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A VITAL service supporting homeless people in Geelong has received much-needed funding in the latest round of the City of Greater Geelong\u2019s Community Grants. The Lazarus Community Centre is entirely community-funded, and deputy chair Gareth Kent says the $350,000 Community Infrastructure Grant is the first time a government body has provided financial support to the […]<\/p>\n