When a neighbour comes knocking

When a neighbour comes knocking is a new resource from Local Mission containing information about providing crisis assistance in your congregation.

Crisis assistance (sometimes referred to as emergency relief) is the provision of material aid to a person, couple, family, or community in immediate need. It may also include a referral to other specialist community services, such as personal counselling or financial counselling.

There are many reasons why people need to ask for crisis assistance. Sometimes issues such as sudden reduction in income, gambling issues, financial management, loneliness, death of a loved one, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, drugs, illness, isolation, inherited debt, breakdown of an electrical appliance, wallet or purse stolen, and more can cause financial as well as emotional distress. Large increases in living costs and the requirements placed on refugees on bridging visas have continued to bring more people through our doors.

A report by the Australian Council of Social Service indicates that those at greatest risk are unemployed people, children in sole-parent families and people whose main income is social security payments. In 2020, approximately 3.24 million people lived in poverty in Australia (of which 774,000 are children and 424,800 are young people).

How can my congregation provide crisis assistance?

When a neighbour comes knocking is a resource to help you get started. It offers guidelines for establishing crisis assistance and ideas for a typical food parcel. It also provides suggestions for managing risks associated with confidentiality, negative behaviour, referral and more.

God has given us all many talents and gifts to use to his glory. One of the gifts we possess is the gift of giving itself, without expecting anything in return. May God bless you as you show hospitality to strangers, speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and defend the rights of the poor and needy (Hebrews 13:2; Proverbs 31:8,9).

WHEN A NEIGHBOUR COMES KNOCKING

What it is: a new resource for providing crisis assistance in your congregation
Who will find it helpful: church workers, mission and ministry leaders, volunteers
Where to find it: download the resource on the Care Ministries Events, Training and Resources webpage