Working together to support our community

It’s a vital partnership that puts food on the table, offers warm clothing, and provides a sense of belonging.

St Christopher’s Anglican Church and Newcastle Anglican service agency, Samaritans, have joined forces to make life more comfortable for people and families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

The organisations provide support from an Emergency Relief Centre in Rutherford.

Over the past few years, the centre has significantly increased its services to meet the needs of the local community.

It offers food, warm clothing and blankets, as well as free haircuts, coffees, and other activities.

A Samaritans support worker and financial counsellor are also available every Tuesday to provide expert advice.

Rector of the Cluster Parishes of Maitland and Telarah/ Rutherford, Reverend Sarah Dulley, says the centre is vital for people who have fallen on tough times.

She adds it has received overwhelming support from the local community.

“Our partnership with Samaritans is really important. They offer services to the community that some people are unable to tap into anywhere else,” Reverend Sarah says.

“We’ve received wonderful support from organisations like Rotary and Slow Food Hunter Valley, as well as local bakeries, Maitland City Council, the police, and local member Jenny Aitchison.

“Many of the cluster parishes ensure food comes across to us and help stock the pantry.

“Some parishes, like Gresford/Paterson, Morpeth, and St Peter’s East Maitland, contribute every Wednesday through OzHarvest [a food rescue charity] and other initiatives.”

The Emergency Relief Centre relies on weekly donations from the community to continue to deliver its services.

Donations can be made every Tuesday between 9am and 12pm.

Head volunteer Kerrie Duffey, who has worked at the Rutherford centre for more than 20 years, says the current living situation is dire for many people.

“The impossibility of housing is making life hard and there are more women and children living in cars than you want to contemplate. It’s frightening,” Kerrie says.

Apart from Rutherford, there are other emergency relief centres located at Broadmeadow, Toronto, Morisset, Cessnock, Taree, Gorokan, and Wyoming.