Regional Alliance West welcomes $35,000 boost to emergency services for Geraldton’s most vulnerable

Crisis support services in Geraldton have received a $35,000 boost thanks to a Lotterywest grant.

Member for Geraldton Lara Dalton last week presented the funding to Regional Alliance West, which offers crisis support, financial counselling, legal programs and tenancy advice to locals in need.

RAW corporate manager Leeanne Robertson said the funding would ensure the not-for-profit organisation could continue to provide support to the community.

“The support RAW receives from Lotterywest means we can offer ongoing emergency relief to community members who are suffering hardship and are in vulnerable positions,” she said.

“We can offer food hampers, medical assistance — like paying for prescriptions that they would go without, which can make their medical situation worse — and sleeping bags to help combat the cold weather. Without such support from Lotterywest, it would be very difficult to provide these extra types of requests for assistance.”

Ms Dalton said RAW had played a vital role in community crisis support for decades.

“Their work is crucial, they provide support for so many in our community and I am very pleased to be able to present this extra funding on behalf of Lotterywest,” she said.

“I understand the harsh reality of the housing shortage in Geraldton and the impacts it is having on so many.

“This tough time we are living through makes the work of RAW even more important.”