The Nelson Bay-based Hope Cottage is celebrating its first year in operation this month having exceeded all expectations while continuing to face challenges in the support of those in need in the Port Stephens community.
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Catherine Govan, leader of Hope Cottage - an outreach ministry run by All Saints Anglican Church from its Church Street premises - said that the service had come a long way in 12 months.
"One year ago we started by asking our parishioners to contribute 'just one thing' towards the church food pantry and we received such incredible support that it gave us the vision to launch Hope Cottage," she said.
"From small beginnings, the cottage has expanded to include donation bins at several food outlets, which allows us to serve more in our community who face a crisis, including those affected by the bushfires and COVID-19.
"We now receive generous donations from people right across Port Stephens, from local businesses, schools and our supermarkets donation bins and we have distributed in excess of 750 food parcels. It has been a great community effort."
Mrs Govan said that while the global pandemic had been a hindrance, initially forcing the closure of the service, it had since reopened and adapted to a more 'remote' system.
"We are doing things a little differently because of COVID and wanting to keep everyone safe by operating a contact-less system. In fact, Hope Cottage still provides food to anyone in our community facing a crisis and we can even provide pre-packaged morning tea for people to enjoy at home," she said.
The leader said that the cottage's biggest challenge was providing a safe yet engaging service.
"One of the things we enjoy is the chance to chat and also signpost people to other agencies who can support them. This is made much more difficult but we are overcoming the challenge as best we can," Mrs Govan said.
"At times, social distancing and the volume of people in need makes it difficult to have relaxed, meaningful dialogue but we make every effort to provide a listening ear, referral to other forms of support and encourage people where we can.
"We ensure that everyone attending is still served with dignity and we always provide an individual one-on-one service to guide people through the process of receiving help."
Mrs Govan said that many people were experiencing hardship and that the image of "living in paradise" did not apply to everyone.
"We know there are people sleeping rough, couch surfing and many who are unable to find employment. We, and other agencies, are seeing an increase in people requiring crisis food, experiencing domestic violence, depression, anxiety and other forms of mental illness not to mention loneliness and a real sense of isolation. There is a great need for support in our local community," she said.
She said that the cottage was thankful for every donation it receives.
"We would love to be able to offer fresh bread, eggs, fruit and vegetables if anyone is able to help, but ultimately we ask that people just keep doing what they are doing through their donations."
Hope Cottage is open every Tuesday from 10am to noon, or you can contact a member of the team by ringing the church office on (02) 4981 1839 or emailing hopecottage@allsaintsnelsonbay.org.
