Emergency Relief

Get help with the essentials

Our Essentials Program does not receive government funding and is 100% supported by our community for our community. Our emergency relief support is available to residents of Penrith and Blue Mountains LGAs and can be accessed by visiting our Blaxland cottage on our drop-in days.

ESSENTIALS EMERGENCY RELIEF DROP-IN

Gateway’s emergency relief program helps with the essentials of day to day living, and we offer a range of supports to individuals and families in the community.

WHERE: 70 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland 2774

WHEN:

Tuesday: 9:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Thursday: 9:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Friday: 9:30am - 12:30pm

No appointment required. If you have any queries, please call our office on 1300 316 746.

For more information read our Essentials Policy.

One of our Essentials clients was kind enough to share their story, after a motor vehicle accident impacted her ability to work.

What can we help with?

Our emergency relief program provides support to Penrith and Blue Mountains residents who require assistance with food, utility bills, fuel and pharmacy expenses. Here's what we can help with:

Food and grocery hampers

Penrith and Blue Mountains residents are welcome to drop into our Blaxland cottage on our drop-in days for food assistance once per month. Depending on availability, our food hampers include:

• non-perishable pantry staples
• fresh fruit and vegetables
• frozen meals
• bread, milk and dairy
• meat and eggs
• other grocery items (eg personal care, cleaning products)

In addition to our food parcels we also distribute Dignity Bags and Maternity Bags containing personal care products, sanitary items and toiletries for teen girls, women and mothers.

Vouchers (by assessment)

Subject to availability, we have a range of vouchers that can also be provided via an in-person assessment at our Blaxland cottage.

• Food vouchers to assist with the cost of food and groceries
• Fuel and petrol vouchers to help with the cost of petrol
• Pharmacy vouchers to assist with the cost of PBS-listed prescriptions
• Op shop vouchers to assist with the cost of clothing and household items

Please note: Vouchers are limited and available by assessment only. Please contact the Essentials team on 1300 316 746 with any enquiries.

Bill assistance (power and water)

We provide bill assistance for the following utilities: gas, electricity and water.

If you need help with a gas bill or electricity bill we can provide assistance through the NSW Government Energy Accounts Payments Assistance scheme (EAPA).

If you need help paying an outstanding water bill we can lodge an application for financial assistance through Sydney Water’s Payment Assistance Scheme (PAS).

Our EAPA and PAS bill assistance programs are available to residents in Penrith and the Blue Mountains and require an eligibility assessment. Please call 4720 6500 to request an appointment.

Christmas hampers

Every year we provide Christmas hampers of food and gifts for families in the community who register with us for additional support. To register for a Christmas Hamper please call 4720 6500 from October onwards or visit our Blaxland office during drop-in hours to complete a Hamper Request Form.

"Back to School" packs

We have a limited number of "Back to School" packs available at the start of the year to help families with school expenses. Please contact the Essentials team on 4720 6500 to request this support.

Referrals to services for additional support

Our Essentials Program also refers to other services via the Linker Project, including financial counselling, tenancy services and mental health support.

Additionally, we can make referrals to other Gateway programs including family work, counselling, expressive therapies (art and play therapy), parenting groups, playgroups and free parenting courses.

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