More than 50 Victorians working at Sacred Heart Mission through government-created COVID-19 jobs

12 November 2020

Thanks to a $1.793 million funding grant from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, over the course of six months, Sacred Heart Mission has created more than 50 additional fixed-term part-time and full-time roles to assist with hygiene and safety across our op shops, help prepare meals and support our work.

There will be 45 roles responsible for cleaning and sanitisation, as well as monitoring social-distancing guidelines in our op shops, service hubs and residential areas, which will help to create a safe environment to the benefit of our clients, residents, volunteers, staff, and customers.

Our 12 op shops are responsible for raising almost 30 per cent of Sacred Heart Mission’s income needed to support our homelessness services, as well as providing a low-cost shopping alternative to people who are doing it tough during these difficult times.

Meanwhile, Sacred Heart Mission’s Dining Hall continues to provide much-needed take-away meals on a daily basis to people who are experiencing homelessness and disadvantage within our community.

An additional eight roles will support our caseworkers to respond to people experiencing homelesness who have been temporarily placed in hotels during the stay at home directions.

The Andrews Government is providing $10 million to create 210 new short term jobs in the sector. We congratulate the government on their decision to provide additional support to people who have lost their jobs, and to organisations such as Sacred Heart Mission, who need more workers on the ground in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

However, like many other charities, we have a long journey ahead of us with thousands losing their income during COVID-19 and people’s housing security under threat; so now more than ever we appreciate the support of the Andrews Government and look forward to the Victorian Government’s continuous support as Victoria recovers, alongside the generous community, to meet the increase need and demand that will be presenting at our doors.