There has been an escalation in the number of hardship and homelessness cases in Port Stephens during the coronavirus pandemic, the area's leading counsellor support service has reported.
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And despite some national services reporting increasing incidences of domestic violence, Yacaaba Centre manager Petra Offen said there had been no significant change in DV referrals to this point.
"There could be a number of reasons for this and we are expecting a relayed response. People are finding it difficult to afford their rent and we are hearing of people sleeping rough and in cars.
"Our counsellors are very much aware of the challenges ahead and we will continue to engage with the community and promote our education and awareness programs."
The centre, which was on the verge of shutting its doors some years ago due to a lack of funds, is made up of a small but tireless team of dedicated people who operate on the generosity of donors and supporters.
Formerly known as the Women's Information and Counselling Service (WICS), the centre opened in 1989 under a low profile for the benefit and safety of women in violent relationships.
"In 2007 it was decided to be more inclusive and service men which coincided with a name change to Yacaaba Centre."
Seven years later it was on the brink of closing down when state government funding was cut, but the centre survived following community protest, which helped secure a $180,000 government lifeline through the Service Support Fund. This was consolidated with the donation of a property in Donald Street, where the centre continues to carry on its life-changing work.
"We are funded by the Department of Community and Justice (formerly FACS), but we do not receive any other government or council funding. We operate on community donations, fundraisers and grant applications."
In June the centre was successful in receiving just under $40,000 in COVID-19 federal government grant, using the funds to open the Nelson Bay premises an additional day "so we are now operating Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm".
Ms Offen said that if not for the continued generosity of the Port Stephens community and organisations such as Salamander Bay Recycling, Rotary clubs and local churches the centre would struggle to keep its doors open.
"We could always do with more donations of non-perishable food," she said.
"We have three counsellors who are now equipped for digital counselling and we operate face to face as well as provide emergency support."
They also do homeless referrals to Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service at Raymond Terrace, Hume Housing and Link to Homes. To book phone (02) 4984 2176.
