By Eric Martin
As the St Vincent de Paul Society in WA closes its stores in response to COVID-19, the Society says it is well aware of the unique role that its conference members will play in meeting the needs of those Australians who will be most challenged by the measures designed to restrict the pandemic.
“We all know that social isolation is one of the most common concerns that Conference Members already respond to in communities throughout Australia,” said Judith Tokley, Vinnies National Communications Director.
“At a time of enforced self-isolation as required by the COVID-19, the Society is especially skilled through its members and model of visitation to meet the need, but we need to be smart about how we do this so that both the community and our members are safe.
“We also know that there will be more pressures on households with the very significant impacts of the pandemic on the economy,” she added.
“As the impact of this virus, on the back of the bushfires and drought, emerges in the weeks and months ahead, we will continue our work with all communities in need: the Australian community will need the Society and our response will be faithful to our Mission and agile to the conditions we all face.
“We are absolutely committed to walking with people whatever their circumstances, while doing everything we can to preserve the health and safety of our members, volunteers, staff and companions.”
On Monday 30 March, Vinnies WA announced the closure of all 54 of its retail shops at 5pm due to the impact of COVID-19.
Vinnies WA Chief Executive Susan Rooney said the charitable organisation considered all options, but it was no longer able to operate in this current environment.
“Therefore, we made the incredibly difficult decision to stand down many of our wonderful shop and distribution centre employees for the time-being.”
St Vincent’s WA derives 85 per cent of its revenue from its shops, fundraising events and donors, with the funds are poured back into the community through programs and services such as the Emergency Assistance program, Financial Counselling, homelessness, mental health. and community housing services.
“However, with our retail operation now closed, and some fundraising events cancelled, without additional income our ability to continue to provide all of these services, and at the capacity required, is under threat,” Ms Rooney said.
Vinnies currently assists more than 57,000 West Australians in need each year and predict that the requests for services in the coming months will escalate.
Some of St Vincent’s services, such as youth homelessness services, will not be assisted by the Government’s announcement on Sunday of additional specific funding for Emergency Relief and Financial Counselling.
“What we really need now is the support of the WA public,” Ms Rooney pleaded.
“Some of the most vulnerable people in our community receive critical specialist support through our Homelessness and Mental Health Services: our Emergency Assistance program is essential to the lives of thousands of West Australians most in need, providing food and/or food vouchers, support with utility, medical and other bills, assisting people with rent and other associated housing costs.”’
“Western Australians are incredibly generous and resilient, so we will get through this time by thinking of each other with every action; and taking care of the most vulnerable in our communities, our neighbours, and ourselves.”
Vinnies WA will continue to look out for, and advocate on behalf of vulnerable people and has categorically stated that:
- People experiencing poverty and/or homelessness are no more likely to be carrying the virus.
- But people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty are not able to control who they share their living space with.
- They are also more likely to have pre-existing health conditions that make them susceptible to COVID-19.
Vinnies WA will not be conducting the usual home visitations but will providing support through other means: using a varied service delivery model, it will continue to provide a level of Emergency Assistance for requests for food assistance, bill payments, rent assistance, furniture requests, and advocacy.
Regular online updates will be available through the Vinnies website and social media.
St Vincent’s Call Centres continue to take calls but advise that people should be mindful of greater waiting times to get through to a volunteer. Call Centre opening times are Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm; requests for assistance can be made on 1300 794 054.