As the COVID-19 crisis continues, life has been particularly tough for some families. The heightened stress and sense of panic from the pandemic have led to an increase in family violence. Find out how you can help.

We are all feeling the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But for some, life has been particularly tough. The pandemic and economic crisis has disrupted family life and caused severe financial hardship for some. This heightened stress and sense of panic had led to a disturbing spike in family violence.

Helping women and children through the COVID-19 crisis

Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, Good Samaritan Inn has continued to offer 24/7 crisis supported accommodation to women and children from diverse backgrounds. Working within strict government health protocols, staff have worked hard to meet increasingly complex needs with skill, compassion and professionalism. We have continued to offer face-to-face and telephone counselling, case management support as well as material aid and employment support.

Your donations of essential items will help vulnerable families this winter

Despite COVID-19 and violent home situations, our guests have remained resilient. But with financial hardship, mental health issues and family violence continuing to increase at an alarming rate, we need your help.

All donations, whether large or small, will go towards practical support such as essential groceries, warm clothing, toiletry packs and safe, accessible accommodation.

YES! I will help give hope to women, young people and children experiencing family violence and homelessness. Donate Now.

With increased support for women and children, and upgrades to our facilities, we are meeting the challenges ahead.

More support for women and children

Good Samaritan Inn is now able to provide increased outreach support for critical appointments such as court hearings, medical appointments, and visits to Centrelink and the police. With our new Transitional House women are now able to stay for 6 to 12 months, avoiding the need to return to motels or other unsafe accommodation.  A new on-call system is also planned to give our guests 24/7 counselling support.

Increased case management support includes the development of a journey planning document. This document, which women and children can take with them, describes what they have achieved on their journey, who has helped them and what more they want to do.

The Employment Program has begun in partnership with Danihers Facility Management. This program provides employment and mentoring for women experiencing family violence and homelessness.

Training and development for staff

Training and development to upskill all staff continues with the addition of four RMIT social work student placements. Supported by the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), a young trainee also had the opportunity to complete her Community Services Traineeship with us.

Looking after our particularly vulnerable guests

To further develop LGBTQI-inclusive practices, we have established a Rainbow Tick Working Group. An Aboriginal Cultural Safety Standards Working Group will also improve our effectiveness in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

Better and safer facilities

Building upgrades, including bathroom refurbishment and installation of a lift, continue. Our rooms have also been reconfigured to offer a more flexible approach as well as improve accessibility for guests with mobility issues. Security will also be increased with the installation of a new fence around the property. 

Would you like to be a part of helping women and children experiencing violence and homelessness? Find out how.