Financial Hardship

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Financial Hardship

People experiencing financial crises need help that is relevant, respectful, and empowering. Camcare offers financial relief services that are both immediate and ongoing. Our services seek to address your financial stress and personal goals while encouraging self-reliant and independent financial management.

We aim to empower people to move forward, develop social connections, and participate in community life in a meaningful, enriching, and helpful way.

Camcare delivers, advocacy, and relief services principally to individuals and families in the City of Boroondara. We can negotiate payment plans with utilities, check your entitlements and discuss options that may alleviate immediate financial pressures for you. If financial hardship, personal adversity, and or socio-economic disadvantage are creating challenges for you, reach out to Camcare for compassionate, caring, and uplifting financial assistance.

Our emergency financial relief assistance includes:

  • Financial help for students enrolled in government schools
  • Referrals to specialist services such as financial counselling
  • Small grants for sudden financial crises such as unexpected medical costs (subject to guidelines)
  • Christmas hamper and toy programs
  • Case management for complex cases: assessment, outreach, referral and advocacy focused on your personal and financial goals
Camcare - Community Support

Financial Help: Outreach and Assistance for Individuals Experiencing Financial Difficulties

There are neighbourhoods in the Boroondara area which are among the most disadvantaged in Victoria. Households are often comprised of low-income earners or income that places families well under the poverty line. Older residents, those who live alone, residents with a disability, residents in social housing, and those experiencing homelessness all face challenges of their own.

Camcare can help by assisting you with utilities relief grants, small financial grants, by negotiating with financial providers, and by providing referrals to appropriate support services.

Some examples of emergency financial relief and ongoing hardship assistance that we have provided include:

Financial Help for Students

We have assisted families in securing scholarships to high schools, as well as grants for programs such as school camps or extra-curricular school programs. This financial help ensures access to education and opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged children who would have otherwise missed out.

Access to Housing, Facilities, and Communities

Through a network of staff, volunteers, and referrals, Camcare can assist you in accessing housing that is not only affordable but safe. Our team also helps individuals and families to make links in their local community, and we provide financial assistance so you can access community facilities, such as leisure centres.

Immediate Financial Assistance

Camcare will assist you free of charge with access to specialist services, financial counselling, small grants, and other financial help to provide immediate relief, for example, to pay utilities that are in arrears.

Christmas Hampers

At Christmas time, we provide hampers with donated food and toys for individuals and families who are in financial hardship and would otherwise miss out on celebrating Christmas.

Debt Help and Tax Help: Access a Pathway to Self-Reliance

As well as seeking to stabilise your personal and financial circumstances, Camcare will stand by you and provide resources and assistance that empower you to become self-reliant and part of a supportive community.

A team of trained and skilled Case Workers, pro bono and volunteer staff, and paid professionals are here to offer  support . Our team is driven by the values of care, compassion and respect, and by the spirit of equity and social inclusion.

Camcare can:

  • Negotiate with providers such as mobile phone providers on your behalf
  • Help you with small medical costs
  • Assist you in the negotiation of debts
  • Provide ongoing referrals and support to address your long-term needs

Do you earn less than $60,000 per year and require assistance with your tax? Camcare provides a free Tax Help program to assist you in lodging online tax returns. This service is available to individuals across any Local Government Area.

Access Financial Hardship Emergency Relief in the City of Boroondara, Including Ashburton, Auburn, Balwyn, Camberwell, Deepdene, Glen Iris, Hawthorn, Kew, and Surrey Hills

Camcare has offices in Camberwell and Ashburton, and we also visit homes, schools, and community centres.

If you are in need of Emergency Financial Relief assistance, please call our offices on 03 9831 1900 and ask for a Community Support Worker.

  • Ashburton
  • Auburn
  • Balwyn
  • Camberwell
  • Deepdene
  • Glen Iris
  • Hawthorn
  • Kew
  • Surrey Hills

Want to find out more about Community Support at Camcare?

Please Contact Us or Call our offices on 03 9831 1900 and ask for the Intake and Assessment Worker.

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