Fletcher Street Cottage has been at the forefront of supporting the community, especially during trying times. The recent Flood Relief Fund Grant 2022 (Round 2) from the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) of $50,000 became a beacon of hope amidst the aftermath of the 2022 floods, enabling us to extend vital aid to those most affected.
The Project: A Swift Response to Unprecedented Need
In the wake of the devastating floods in February and March 2022, the demand for our services skyrocketed. The Emergency Relief (ER) service established specifically for Flood Impacted Service Users (FISUs) became a lifeline. We witnessed a remarkable 600% surge in ER spend, a clear indicator of the pressing need for immediate assistance. The grant facilitated direct financial and material aid to individuals displaced or severely impacted by the floods, preventing homelessness or supporting those already at risk.
Key Outcomes: Impacting Lives, Creating Change
The statistics speak volumes about the impact we've made. Over 12,000 instances of support have been extended to local flood-affected individuals since the catastrophe. With 1,241 individual appointments, our Community Support Workers addressed diverse needs, from basic essentials like meals and showers to aiding in securing housing and navigating support services.
Beneficiaries: Filling Critical Service Gaps
Our efforts were instrumental in aiding flood-affected individuals who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness before or due to the floods. Many faced daunting challenges like lost IDs, damaged homes or makeshift living situations in cars. The grant empowered our additional Community Support Workers to dedicate extensive resources, overcoming barriers and guiding individuals back on their paths.
Challenges and Triumphs: Meeting the Community's Urgent Needs
The sheer volume of people needing support posed both a challenge and a triumph. With the flood relief funding, we could assist an overwhelming number of individuals who urgently required our help. Our service adapted swiftly, directly facilitating temporary respite accommodation when existing avenues faced limitations due to the immense community need.
Milestones Achieved: A Testament to Resilience and Support
Within the grant period (August 2022 - February 2023), we delivered over 8,000 instances of support, including providing basic needs support like 4,397 breakfasts served, 1,404 hot showers and 848 loads of laundry. This influx of funding has not only enabled immediate aid but has also fortified our capacity to respond to community-wide crises.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Sustained Support
The grant's impact has been transformative, demonstrating the necessity of continued funding at this level. Our community's struggles persist, compounded by ongoing challenges post-flood. With ongoing support, we can sustain and expand our program, ensuring that no individual falls through the cracks during times of crisis.
Fletcher Street Cottage stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and targeted funding, offering hope and tangible change in the face of adversity. Thank you to NRCF for your support.
"Through the generous support of the Northern Rivers Community Foundation's Flood Relief Fund Grant 2022, Byron Bay’s homeless hub Fletcher Street Cottage witnessed a transformative impact on our community's most vulnerable. From providing critical emergency relief to those affected by the devastating floods to offering vital support for individuals at risk of homelessness, this grant has been a beacon of hope during challenging times. The $50,000 allocation enabled us to deliver life-changing aid, offering not just immediate assistance but also laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. It's a testament to the power of targeted funding and community collaboration in creating profound and lasting change." - Louise O’Connell, General Manager, Byron Community Centre
