PPCG ERAMA Changes Statement July 2015 Final

Changes to the Emergency Relief
and Material Aid program
Effective 1st July 2015
Port Phillip Community Group’s Emergency
Relief and Material Aid (ERAMA) program is
changing due to Federal Government funding
cuts.
Funding has been substantially reduced,
requiring a reduction in Emergency Relief and
Material Aid services at PPCG’s offices in St
Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
The reduction in funding will result in less
material aid, such as vouchers, being available
less often. It is effective from 1st July 2015.
Eligibility and Assessment
To access the service clients need to:
 Have a Health Care Card or Pension Card
 Live in the City of Port Phillip
 Book an appointment and be assessed
This will not guarantee ERAMA.
Due to the funding changes, ERAMA will not
always be available and some existing clients
may not be eligible.
A History of Social Justice and Support
PPCG’s aim is for a socially just community and
a more inclusive and equitable society through
social action, advocacy and innovation. It has
been part of the local community for over 40
years giving over 15,000 contact hours a year.
Through our Information and Support service,
PPCG has been providing ER for over 10 years.
In 2014, the Federal Government revised the
funding process. Agencies had to apply for
funding. PPCG’s individual, direct application
was not successful.
PPCG applied in a consortium with Community
Information & Support Victoria (CISVic). This
application which represented over 30 agencies
across Melbourne was successful but with an
across the board reduction of funding of
$2,000,000 in Victoria. Funding under this
agreement is for two years, until 2017.
Community Support Continues
PPCG will be looking for new funding
opportunities and developing programs to
supplement the ERAMA losses. It will continue
to provide its innovative programs to support
the most marginalised and disadvantaged in
our community. This includes:
Information and Support
Monday Food Service – St Kilda
Financial Counselling
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
Community Education
Community Development
Community Meals
Neighbourhood Programs
Alma Road Community House
Tax Help
The operating hours at our four locations will
remain unchanged.
St Kilda Community Centre
161 Chapel Street, St Kilda
8598 6600
208-220 Bank Street, South Melbourne
9209 6830
333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
9209 6350
200 Alma Road, St Kilda East
9525 8746
Enquiries to:
Dave Atkins - Executive Officer
8598 6600
[email protected]
www.ppcg.org.au