Mission Australia’s Maddington branch has received a $286,903 grant from Lotterywest to support its crisis and emergency relief efforts for those in need.
Through its Wattle House, the Emergency Relief program in Maddington provides essential support to people in the area, including food, transport, medical vouchers, and assistance with utility payments.
Founded in 1859, Mission Australia is a national Christian charity committed to helping vulnerable people overcome life challenges such as homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues, believing every individual, given the proper support, can reach their full potential.
Mission Australia State Director WA Sue Budalich said the Lotterywest grant will ensure the continuation of its most crucial services, which are more necessary now than ever.
“The cost of buying food for our Emergency Food Relief program has jumped from $1,000 per month to $8,000 per month, and in the first two weeks of August alone, we distributed more than 220 food hampers to families in need,” Ms Budalich said.
“We are having people reach out to us who had never needed assistance before – including the elderly.”
With rising rents adding to the financial pressure on our most vulnerable community members, the personal toll of inflation has become apparent.
According to data from The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA), the average weekly rent for Perth rose 15.4 per cent in 2023, from $520 to $600.
These increases represented the third year in a row of double-digit increases, with the average house rent in WA now being 50 per cent higher than it was in 2020.
In WA, all profits from lottery tickets are directed towards projects and initiatives that support the community, with $373 million allocated to WA not-for-profits and local governments in the past financial year.
CEO of Lotterywest Colin Smith hopes the grant will ensure essential support services, including access to utilities, transport, food vouchers, bill payments, and hampers, are available to those in need.
“Mission Australia have long been a pillar for West Australians who feel they have no one to turn to,” Mr Smith said.
If you need support or want to learn more about the services provided by the Mission Australia’s Maddington branch, please contact them at 9262 4200.
