Habitat for Humanity Victoria launches Storm Recovery Program to assist vulnerable Dandenong Ranges people.
Vulnerable homeowners and residents who are still affected by the violent June storms in the outer east of Melbourne earlier this year can now get assistance through the storm recovery program launched today by Habitat for Humanity Victoria (HFHV).
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is assisting homeowners and residents to clean up their properties by cutting and removing fallen trees, clearing debris and conducting minor home repairs.
Habitat for Humanity Storm Recovery Program is directed at vulnerable families and individuals who are experiencing difficulties and need extra support and assistance to clean up and recover from the storms.
Tom Alexander, HFHV’s Housing Programs Manager said the extended COVID 19 related Lockdown periods had made it impossible for many people to attend their properties and were in urgent need for practical “hands on assistance” to address the damage.
“It’s practical hands-on support which is helping to make a real difference for the community affected by these storms,” he said.
The storm that ravaged the Dandenong ranges in early June 2021 took out power for 56,000 homes[1], leaving many without power for weeks. Fallen trees littered the roads with some residents unable to leave their properties for days. The scope of damage has been significant.
The damage and consequences have continued to affect residents even up to today.
“It’s a reminder for these people that they’re not alone. That there are people in the community wanting to help them recover and rebuild from this disaster,” said Mr. Alexander.
“There are many more people to assist and we anticipate providing support for several months to come.”
Sarah from Cockatoo was a recent recipient of the Storm Recovery program. She’s faced an enormously challenging year, with her father moving in due to a serious and sudden health issue, requiring renovations for disability access. Soon after, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and sadly passed away.
The June storms caused multiple trees to fall on her property and damage fences. Now facing the work as a single mother; it was beyond her physical and emotional capacity. Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Storm Recovery team came in and removed meters of debris and split and stacked multiple cubic meters of firewood.
Sarah stated that the work HFHV did as part of the Storm Recovery Program “made me feel like I wasn’t doing it alone. I felt people cared and there was a community around me, like there was some weight lifted from my shoulders.”
Habitat for Humanity Victoria believes in a world where everyone deserves a decent place to live. In order to continue this program, they need to secure more volunteers and funding so that every family that needs assistance can get it. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Storm Recovery Program can contact the HFHV Office on Tel 8720-9200 or visit our website at www.habitatvic.org.au
-0-
WHO IS HABITAT?
Habitat for Humanity International is the world’s number one not-for-profit provider of housing and
improved shelter for low-income families. Working with local communities across 70 countries, Habitat
for Humanity has helped more than 29 million people obtain safe and decent housing since 1976.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria was established in 1988 and built its first affordable home in 1995. Since
then it has partnered with 68 families to help them into home ownership. Habitat for Humanity also provides support programs for families impacted by natural disasters; including Bushfires, floods and storms.
