Emergency relief
Church of All Nations offers emergency relief to residents of Carlton, North Carlton, Parkville, North Melbourne and the CBD, plus people who are homeless or transient, living in rooming houses and sleeping rough in Fitzroy or North Fitzroy. Open from 10am – 12 noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays (Thursday being for women only), we offer a range of services, including a selection of food from our pantry (current ID is essential).
An individual is eligible for food fortnightly and a food voucher quarterly (once every 3 months). Food vouchers are available on the first working day of each month; it’s a good idea to check which day that falls each month.
You can also get assistance with Met travel cards (once every 3 months), pharmacy expenses (3 months) and Telstra phone bills (annually) as well as advocacy, referrals and counselling.
Tea, coffee, biscuits, newspapers and friendly welcome greet those waiting for assistance.
Co-odinator Ailsa Bowyer: 9347 7268
Drop-in centre
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, CAN’s Drop-in Centre offers a warm and welcoming environment for up to 50 low income people from the local community each day. It is located at the rear and next door to the Church.
The Centre provides light refreshments, the daily papers, access to computers (no internet, at this stage), a range of recreational activities, conversation and company. For those seeking more of a challenge, there is an Activities Programme which includes film, theatre and social clubs and regular outings such as rowing trips on the Yarra or fishing trips to the Bay.
The sharing of food is an important component of our community. On Mondays the Centre is open specifically for a community lunch from 11:30am (see below) and on alternate Tuesdays from midday there is a cooking class.
For further information, contact Steve Dobson on 0412 865 840.
Community Lunch
Each Monday (except public holidays) lunch is served between 11:30am and 1pm in the Drop-In Centre. Enter from the rear (north side) of the Church. All are welcome for the small cost of $1. Meals are nutritional, vary weekly and include dessert.
Community and Congregation BBQ
On the second Sunday of every month there is a barbecue for members of the local community (particularly the Carlton Housing estate) and the Church of All Nations congregation. The meal is free and begins around 11:30am. It is a time of community building and fellowship.
Women’s programme
An opportunity for women to meet together in a supportive and caring environment. We are dedicated to promoting mental and emotional well-being through friendship and participation in a variety of activities.
The programme operates during the school term:
Tuesdays 10am – 3pm: various skill-developing workshops, followed at 12:15pm by the Wellbeing Support Group which includes lunch and discussion with guest speakers.
Wednesdays 10am – 3pm: Women’s drop-in offers craft, sewing, friendship, relaxation, afternoon tea and outings.
Thursdays 10am – 12 noon: Emergency Relief (see above) and Madeleine’s Art Class using various innovative media.
All women welcome. Contact Co-ordinator Ailsa Bowyer: 9347 7268.
Good food programme
Including cooking classes
Fresh food Market
For 2 hours each week, a bit of the Queen Victoria Market is available on site at the Carlton public housing estate, with fresh fruit and vegetables available at near-cost price.
Volunteers to assist with running the programme are welcome. Please contact the church on 9347 7077.
