The Give Where You Live Foundation is pleased to invest a $25,000 grant for Lazarus Community Centre, to support its vital work providing sanctuary, connection and practical assistance to people experiencing homelessness, hardship and social isolation in Geelong.
For many in our community, Lazarus is a welcoming and safe place to turn. Through services including nutritious meals, laundry facilities, showers, social connection and crisis support, the organisation is dedicated to uplifting and empowering every member of the Geelong community with dignity and compassion.
As demand for services continues to grow, this funding will play an important role in extending support for the increasing number of guests accessing the centre, while also strengthening the safety and wellbeing of both guests and volunteers.
The grant will fund increased paid Duty Officer coverage on Fridays and weekends, ensuring trained staff are available to supervise the centre and respond to daily challenges and crises. This additional support will help de-escalate situations, provide timely assistance, and create a safer environment for everyone who walks through the doors. Most importantly, it will enable Lazarus to offer consistent support seven days a week.
Lazarus Community Centre has been a valued community partner of the Give Where You Live Foundation for many years and a longstanding distributor of Community Choice vouchers. The voucher program provides guests with dignity and choice, allowing them to purchase essential items that best meet their individual needs.
Over the last financial year , more than $10,000 in Community Choice vouchers were redeemed by Lazarus guests, demonstrating the significant impact of this partnership and the ongoing need for practical, flexible support.
The team at Lazarus has expressed their gratitude for the Foundation’s continued commitment to their work and the people they serve.
This latest investment reflects the Give Where You Live Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organisations that are creating meaningful change and helping build a stronger, fairer Geelong community.