Rockingham relief service open for those in need

Rockingham residents who have hit rock bottom can take comfort in the opening of Coastal District Care Centre which has a mission to provide food, bedding, clothes and emotional support to those living rough.

As the former Rockingham Emergency Relief Service, the agency was forced to close when it exhausted private funding options after the Federal Government cut more than $270 million from the Department of Social Services Discretionary Grants Program, which it relied heavily on to help 1600 individuals and families.

Centre chairwoman Gillian Harris said it was hard to have to close in June but was pleased to be able to offer a drop-in service on Monday and Friday mornings to those most in need thanks to community donations of food, clothes, swags and the financial backing of Uniting Church of Australia.

Heading into the warmer months, Mrs Harris hoped Rockingham and Kwinana residents could find it in their hearts to donate summer clothes and non-perishable food items to the centre, which worked in conjunction with Salvation Army, Anglicare and other charities in the region.

"Generally, I'm paying for some things because there is limited funding available," she said.

"I am in the process of applying for a grant with the City of Rockingham to pay for the rent.

"I thank everybody who has helped us get established and the volunteers because we had to start with nothing."

Brand MHR Gary Gray was "very proud" to see the facility open its doors to help those in "dire straits".

"We cannot tackle poverty, homelessness or family violence and create a flourishing society without supporting strong community organisations that provide emergency relief to our most vulnerable," he said.

"The decision to close the RERS was devastating to the community (but) I congratulate Gillian on the hard work she has been doing to get this centre open again."

If anyone or an organisation would like to help, contact roogirl3@live.com.au .