Australian Red Cross is opening a final round of support grants for people affected by the bushfires who are suffering extreme financial hardship.
The current grant is up to $2500. It is for people who have already accessed assistance previously, and can help cover re-establishment and rebuilding costs as well as food, bills or medical costs.
Noel Clement, Red Cross Director of Australian Services, said ‘We are grateful for the generous donations of the Australian and international community – $242 million. Ninety per cent of those funds have been disbursed or spent. The remainder will go to this support, and recovery programs over the next two years.’
He said recovery from a disaster of the scale of Black Summer is not measured in weeks, but in months and years, with Red Cross recovery teams expected to remain in 46 local government areas for the next two years.
‘Australians have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of compounding disasters,’ said Mr Clement. ‘We know recovery goes well beyond finances and is equally about people’s sense of hope, family security and community cohesion.
‘Our recovery teams continue to help people access support, encourage healing through social connection and assist service providers to meet the unique needs of bushfire survivors.’
Applications will open on Tuesday 13 April 2021 and close on Sunday 2 May 2021. Apply at redcross.org.au/grants.
Red Cross says that people who need help with applications are welcome to contact the grants team at 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) or email [email protected].
Facts and stats
- $242m raised, $217m disbursed or spent, with remainder dedicated to long term recovery.
- 5,914 people have been helped to meet urgent needs, make repairs, cover funeral or hospital costs, or find a safe place to live, through $187m in grants so far.
- 21,563 people were assisted with recovery through 1-1 support, information and referrals.
- 5,000 people in government and community services have been trained to support disaster-affected communities.
- Communities in 46 local government areas are covered by our recovery program. We advocate for their needs on state, local and regional recovery committees.
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