Southern Peninsula Community Support – once a modest citizens advice bureau that started in 1980 – now serves as the region’s primary emergency relief hub, with 11 staff and 80 volunteers delivering specialised assistance across multiple programs.
What distinguishes SPCS isn’t just its services, but its holistic approach to dignity and empowerment. “While we put a lot of effort into providing food and material aid, we do it with a dual focus, working with people to find out why they need help and providing support and solutions to get them back in control of their lives,” said fundraising relationship coordinator Kera Zaltsberg.
Its emergency relief service forms the backbone of support, with formally trained community support workers providing immediate food and material aid, and help with transport, medication and education costs. A fresh food program offers nutritious produce through partnerships with food recovery agencies and local farms, delivering directly to those facing access barriers, while its pantry service provides pre-packed non-perishable parcels for families struggling with the cost of living.
For those experiencing homelessness, SPCS operates two vital initiatives. The SPLaSh (Southern Peninsula Laundry and Shower) program provides mobile hygiene facilities, meals, and connections to support services for rough sleepers on the Rosebud foreshore, and its Homeless Connections program employs the region’s only assertive outreach case worker. “Kara literally goes into bushland, parks and hidden campsites to find and engage with people experiencing homelessness, offering compassionate, on-the-ground support and linking them with the services they need,” Kera said.
In addition to these cornerstone programs, SPCS offers dedicated case management through low-income support and family support services for those facing complex challenges with limited alternatives; a no-interest loan scheme for essential purchases; and tax help through ATO-trained volunteers.
“Each year we support over 2000 individuals plus their families, and demand has steadily grown within the last year, rising 38 per cent, particularly with ongoing cost-of-living pressures,” Kera said. “Many people assume our services are just for the homeless, but our clients are local families, pensioners and workers struggling to make ends meet in a tough economic climate.”
This reality is echoed in client testimonials: “If this place didn’t exist, I would have to pick between rent and if my family are going to eat this week,” said one client in October 2024.
Kera’s motivation comes from witnessing transformation. “One of the most powerful moments for me was when we helped someone move from sleeping rough to secure, permanent public housing. Knowing they were free from the fear of homelessness is incredible.”
SPCS receives minimal government funding, relying primarily on community generosity. It’s currently fundraising for SPLaSh for Women, expanding its mobile hygiene services to better support women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Peninsula residents can support SPCS by emailing ceo@spcsic.org to join its Pantry Call Out list, donating goods or money, volunteering, or arranging a tour of the Rosebud centre.
