MALLEE and Far West NSW residents facing financial hardship due to emergency situations can get much needed relief through Mallee Accommodation and Support Program’s (MASP) Emergency Relief Program.
The program aims to help financially vulnerable individuals and families by providing emergency relief services in the form of short-term assistance for essential items such as food, utilities, medications, and petrol. It could also include referrals to external support services such as financial counselling.
An emergency or crisis is when an individual or household is unable to meet their basic needs due to insufficient income or sudden or unforeseen events such as job loss, illness, accident, family breakdown, domestic violence or natural disaster.
“Any crisis can put immense pressure on a household budget,” MASP CEO Charmaine Calis said.
“This program helps people manage their financial crisis in the immediate term, while encouraging self-reliance by directing them to relevant services.”
To access the MASP Emergency Relief Program, a person must:
- Be in immediate need of relief due to an emergency or crisis.
- Reside in the Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Wentworth or Balranald Local Government Areas.
- Be willing to complete an assessment of your situation, including providing relevant documentation or evidence such as income statements, payslips, copies of invoices or bills, and identification.
- Priority may be given to applicants who have not accessed MASP’s Emergency Relief in the past 12 months, households with children or elderly members, individuals at risk of homelessness or family violence, Aboriginal or Torres Strait or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse clients.
Applicants can also access the program if they are lacking urgently required essential items or services or facing discrimination or lack of access to services.
For more information, or to access the program, contact MASP’s Emergency Relief Administration Officer on 03 5021 6500 or emergencyrelief@masp.org.au
To make an online application for the program, go to https://masp.org.au/how-we-help/emergency-relief-program/
MASP’s Emergency Relief Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
