The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has launched two new initiatives in Victoria, expanding support for communities facing food insecurity and homelessness.
On March 31, the ADRA Bairnsdale Community Food Pantry and Warehouse officially opened its new purpose-built facility. According to federal MP Darren Chester, the centre is “helping East Gippsland families experiencing food stress” and the upgraded space will allow the service to meet growing demand and function as a hub for emergency supplies during disasters.
Currently, the food pantry supports 280 individuals per week with the help of more than 70 volunteers. The site also includes an op shop with a used furniture section and the Smile-A-While cafe, which aims to promote a sense of community.
A few days later, on April 3, ADRA officially opened its new Op Shop in Frankston to support local fundraising efforts for people experiencing homelessness. According to the Council for Homeless Persons, Frankston ranks 17th among Victoria’s 88 electorates for homelessness.
Frankston deputy mayor Steffie Conroy and councillor Emily Green attended the opening and thanked the volunteers. The shop is managed by Josie and Mario, with support from ADRA op shops in Boronia, Garfield and members of Frankston Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“We are blessed to work alongside the Adventist Church and members who give so much of their time to support the community,” said Rebecca Auriant, ADRA director for Seventh-day Adventist Church in Victoria. “The new ADRA Op Shop at Frankston will be a light in the community—more than an opportunity to shop, an opportunity to meet warm, kind and generous church and community volunteers who together will see lives changed.”
