Emergency Relief Program

The Emergency Relief Program provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship or unexpected crisis. We take the time to understand each person’s circumstances and work alongside them to identify their immediate needs and priorities.

We understand that financial difficulties often do not occur on their own. People experiencing financial hardship may also be facing challenges such as housing insecurity, health concerns, family and relationship issues, unemployment, social isolation, or difficulties accessing essential services. These challenges can affect one another and create additional barriers to stability and wellbeing.

Our program takes a holistic approach, recognising that every person’s situation is unique. We look beyond immediate financial needs to understand the broader circumstances impacting an individual or family. By providing practical assistance, advocacy, case management, and referrals to specialist and community services, we support people to address both their current challenges and their longer-term goals.

Through a coordinated and strengths-based approach, the Emergency Relief Program aims to reduce the impact of financial hardship, improve wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and support individuals and families to build greater stability and independence now and into the future.

The Emergency Relief Program works collaboratively with community, government, and specialist agencies to provide coordinated, holistic support. Where appropriate and with client consent, our team liaises with service providers, facilitates referrals, participates in case coordination, and advocates to ensure clients can access the services they need. We take a proactive approach to service coordination, recognising that addressing financial hardship often requires support across multiple areas of a person’s life.

Booking Page-

https://outlook.office.com/book/EmergencyReliefBooking@communityservices1.org/?ismsaljsauthenabled

Eligibility –
ACT resident
Experiencing financial hardship and or crisis

Access support by contacting –
02 6126 4715
emergencyrelief@communityservices1.org

Community Resources –
Info Guides – VolunteeringACT
The Community Food Pantry – delivering food support in Canberra – Community Services 1