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The Outer Eastern Asylum Seeker Support Network
Ken Turner, of the Outer Eastern Asylum Seeker Support Network, explains how funds from the Whitehorse Community Chest make it possible to help asylum seekers in need.
"The Outer Eastern Asylum Seeker Support Network was established in early 2002, as an outcome of concern by a number of citizens and churches in the eastern suburbs about the treatment of asylum seekers living in the community.
"Asylum seekers are granted a bridging visa and, in most circumstances, have no access to any government services, Medicare or work rights while they await a final decision on their application for residency. They are entirely reliant on support from friends and church agencies for housing and services. Homelessness, health, nutrition, isolation, depression and severe poverty are major concerns for asylum seekers living in the community.
"The OEASSN is a voluntary organisation, associated with the Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project. We provide a number of homes in the Ringwood and Box Hill area in which we house asylum seeker families and individuals. Some are rented on the commercial market and others are supplied either free of charge or are subsidised by the local churches. In addition to accommodation, we supply household goods, food and a limited amount of money for emergency items.
"Many people living in the local community and church members give financial assistance to the OEASSN to enable us to continue this work. The Network is very grateful for the allocation from the Whitehorse Community Chest over the past three years. This has been of great benefit as we continue to provide this service to some of the most neglected people in our community."