By Christine de Kock
WESLEY Footscray Outreach has moved offices to bigger premises located in Barkly Street, Footscray.
The group’s program manager, Michael O’Kelly, said the new location would enable the group to provide a much improved service.
He said the previous building was extremely old and lacked private areas.
“One of the most difficult things for people is asking for help with food,” he said.
“The new building gives people back their dignity as there are private rooms.”
He said there were also showers provided for people sleeping rough and laundry facilities.
The centre is also able to expand its services by having additional space to hold English classes for members of the Sudanese community. General health classes are planned.
The outreach service has for many years been a place where people could receive food vouchers and gain assistance with utility costs.
Workers at the service would usually provide cheques to help people keep their utilities on or advocate a pay-back plan on behalf of their clients.
Wesley Footscray Outreach is part of Wesley Mission Melbourne. The service helped more than 5000 people last year in the form of food parcels, vouchers and assistance with essential services.
The new centre is at 310 Barkly St, Footscray.
