The need for community support continues to increase thanks to coronavirus, says Dubbo Baptistcare HopeStreet manager Karen Windley.
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HopeStreet Baptistcare is a community development and street-based outreach service that helps people who are at a disadvantage.
"The elderly, disabled, vulnerable and those living in isolation, not to mention the rest of us, are living in a new lifestyle that is indeed affecting the world," Mrs Windley said.
"Increased fear and anxiety are being felt to some degree by many of us and Baptist Care HopeStreet has seen firsthand the effects of COVID-19 is having on people's lives.
"Since the outbreak hit Dubbo we have experienced an increase of people contacting us for support for things such as food parcels and toiletries and with the need to speak to someone about their anxieties and fears."
HopeStreet Baptistcare is providing support such as the deliveries of community care packages and are in contact with many people to stay up-to-date with how they are going.
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Mrs Windley said that without the support of locals, who generously donate toiletries, baby products, clothes and blankets, towels and other necessary items to the organisation, the organisation would not be able to help as many people as they are able to.
"We have single parents, people who are without a home or shelter, people who are suffering from mental health issues and the elderly, who at this time are feeling more isolated than usual," she said.
"Having someone deliver a parcel to them and a chat on the phone can bring much-needed comfort and a feeling of staying connected."
Hopestreet Baptistcare also has a chaplain who connects with those who are in need of support and care.
"The coronavirus has added an extra layer of isolation and so connecting with these men when they are released can make a huge difference in their life moving forward. We have donated packs of essentials to give them when they are first released or come to us," Mrs Windley said.
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