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Spreading warmth, one doona at a time

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A warm bed is something many take for granted but not the 4,500 people a year who receive mattresses, bedding and other emergency relief support from one volunteer-run organisation in Melbourne’s east.

Eastern Emergency Relief Network (EERN), which services Knox and five other municipalities, has received a Council Minor Grant towards new bed linen to go with high quality mattresses donated by residents and businesses. Council’s Minor Grants Program helps not-for-profit community groups with quick response grants of up to $2,500, assessed and awarded monthly.

EERN Secretary Gabby Knaepple says each year about 1000 beds and mattresses are distributed to people in need, along with 400 pillows, 250 doonas and 340 sheet and quilt sets.

“New bedding and manchester are needed to give to clients when they collect emergency household items, which often includes mattresses and bedframes,” she says.

“It gives people a leg up so they can then focus on using their money for medication or food. It means they don’t have to worry about finding all that extra money to set up.

“Recent increases in cost-of-living expenses means basic bedding and manchester is getting beyond the reach of those living below the poverty line or impacted by homelessness and other issues.”

Bedding must be new, while the mattresses and bed frames are donated by the community, often saving items from going to landfill. 
“We don’t pick them up unless they are pristine,” Gabby says. “We always have to remember that we are dealing with human beings, and it’s a matter of respect and dignity.”

EERN also supplies other emergency household items such as furniture, white goods and small electrical items, and has a food pantry to provide emergency food relief.

In 2023-24, we had an increase of 220% on our food uptake,” Gabby says. “The need for manchester increased about 30%. 
“The level of need has been constant and is projected to grow due to an increase in rates of homelessness because of cost-of-living pressures. This can only impact those already in a vulnerable situation.”

Find out more about Council’s grants at knox.vic.gov.au/grants

To donate to EERN, contact 9874 8433 or [email protected]

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