THE Rock Family and Community Support is shifting its headquarters to a new facility after an increase in demand over the past few years.
The new facility, which would operate as a place of worship, food bank and op shop, is located at 6 Hook Street Capalaba.
Pastor Elizabeth Rodd said the move followed demand for their services to be more accessible.
“We found clients had difficulty getting (to the old facility on Redland Bay Road in Capalaba) especially those without their own transport,” Pastor Rodd said.
The volunteer-run service has operated for 14 years in the Redlands and offers assistance to people struggling financially.
Alongside its food bank and op shop, the Rock offers free counselling and budgeting courses.
Pastor Rodd said since its opening, the organisation had seen a dramatic increase in the number of people needing its services.
“A lot of people are having trouble making ends meet,” Pastor Rodd said.
“It could be that marriages have broken down, injuries have stopped people from working, or (they have become) unemployed.
“People are being eliminated, jobs are being trimmed back because businesses are struggling.
“People are getting less income, not disposable income but money for bills and groceries, the essentials.”
RFACS also offers emergency relief for urgent household bills via a government grant.
“We’ve had to apply for a higher amount this year,” Pastor Rodd said.
“We pay the bill directly, we don’t just give people the money so we’re not enabling them in bad financial habits.
“People also have to complete a budgeting course before they get (the funding).
“Most of the time, people find themselves in trouble through no fault of their own.”
Figures from ME Bank’s financial comfort report in mid-2018 showed a rise in financial stress and overall cost of living across Australia.
Volunteer Sima Holding said visitors to the food bank could receive a package of goods worth up to $120 for $40.
She added that people did not need to be receiving benefits or have any certification to purchase from the food bank.
The Rock’s food bank operates from 9am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The op shop will resume operations from February 12 and worship services will be held at the new premises from February 10.
