21 June 2016.
Canberra’s not-for-profits are calling on the community to help asylum seekers without income during National Refugee Week 19 – 25 June.
Anglicare CEO, Jeremy Halcrow says “With no capacity to receive income we are very concerned these vulnerable and sometimes highly traumatised people will have no choice but to rely on the generosity of Canberrans just to survive day to day.”
Approximately 150 people are currently seeking asylum in the ACT. They are awaiting an offer to apply for a temporary protection visa under the ‘Fast Track Process’. For those who don’t meet the requirements of a temporary protection visa, they lose their eligibility for Centrelink support, lose their right to work and lose access to casework support. These people are known as ‘asylum seekers without income’.
In partnership with Marist Youth Care, Companion House, Canberra Men’s Centre, Catholic Care, Kippax Uniting Care, St John’s Care and the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/ Goulburn, Anglicare are working to support asylum seekers without income by providing material aid, legal advice, counselling and medical assistance.
These local community organisations need the support of Canberrans to help provide these vulnerable men, women and children with basics like food, clothing and household items.
If you are able to contribute material aid, you can drop items to Anglicare’s collection points at;
– Club 12/25, Cnr of Cooyong St and Scotts Crossing, Civic ACT
– Bargain Hunter store, 114-120 Monaro St, Queanbeyan, NSW
or call (02) 6245 7101.
You can also drop items off at:
Companion House – 41 Templeton St, Cook, ACT
Kippax Uniting Care – corner Luke St and Hardwick Cres, Holt or call 6245 7101
Marist Youth Care – call 0438 489 156
St John’s Care – 45 Constitution Ave, Reid, ACT
St Vincent de Paul Society – any Vinnie’s shop or call 6282 2722 to arrange collection.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the organisations that can provide support through housing, legal advice, counselling and medical assistance, please contact;
– Canberra Men’s Centre 0413 023 163
– Companion House (02) 6251 4550
– Catholic Care (02) 6295 4300
