Charlotte Varcoe
A NEW administrative building at St Vincent de Paul’s opportunity shop will help those needing emergency assistance.
The new building will be used as offices and meeting rooms to provide more privacy for those needing assistance.
Currently, St Vincent de Paul assists about 20 people per week by supplying food, clothing, furniture and at times helping with utilities, fuel and prescription payments.
Relying on the generosity of the Mount Gambier and further community, the building was a result of a donation of a long serving member of the St Vincent de Paul committee.
St Vincent de Paul president of companions Jeanette Elliott said the building had been on the drawing board for about five years.
“We are now eventually seeing the fulfillment so it is a very exciting time for us,” Ms Elliott said.
“At present, our interviewing room has been a small room in the centre of the opportunity shop, a very public area with little privacy for those seeking assistance.”
She said committee members would now have the pleasure of a new building where they are able to speak with people in private.
“We will not be changing our working ways, only hope to be a little more professional and continue to assist all with their immediate needs,” Ms Elliott said.
“The current climate finds many struggling to meet their immediate needs and each week the numbers seeking assistance grows.
“ People are struggling and we at St Vincent de Paul recognize the generosity and kindness of our community and thank them so much for their help and hope they will continue to support us.”
Although there was no current completion date for the building, committee members hoped to be able to use it soon.
Those needing assistance are able to contact the opportunity shop to organise a meeting.
