South East Water supporting St Kilda missions during Homelessness Week
This Homelessness Week (4 to 10 August) South East Water is proud to support 2 hard-working food relief organisations in St Kilda through its annual Community Grants Program - Christ Church Mission and the Sacred Heart Mission.
The volunteer-run organisations serve tens of thousands of meals every year - and thanks to their community grants funding, there’s more equipment in place to help.
Christ Church Mission will use its grant to refurbish its food relief capabilities, purchasing new tables and upgrading kitchen equipment. The organisation provides support, material aid and socially inclusive activities to locals in need - including those who are disadvantaged, isolated or marginalised due family dysfunction, disability, mental illness or the long-term effects of drugs and alcohol.
Sacred Heart Mission will use its grant to purchase a commercial stick blender that can blend up to 300 litres at a time. This will improve the team’s ability to make large volumes of soups and sauces, significantly increasing the number of healthy meals it can provide to its clients.
South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Karen Lau said the organisation was honoured to support so many innovative projects that have a real and positive impact in the community.
“We acknowledge that people across our service area are doing it tough right now. Through our Community Grants program, we’re proud to support the incredible work of community groups like Sacred Heart Mission and Christ Church Mission, which support people experiencing vulnerability.
“Community groups are the heart of our communities, and their deep understanding of local needs are driving real impact.
“The volunteers behind these groups are amazing - their dedication and efforts make such a difference for thousands of people in need."
South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder, Karen Lau
South East Water is committed to assisting those in our community who are facing vulnerability and is a long-term sponsor of the One Voice mobile shower bus. This bus travels throughout our service area providing people with a safe place to have a warm shower.
Penny Matthews, Manager of Christ Church Mission, said the centre was committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment by offering emergency support, meals programs, social opportunities, and personal growth - especially during Homelessness Week.
“Community grants, like that provided by South East Water, really help to support the work of our small staff and 50 volunteers in delivering these services for our community."
Manager of Christ Church Mission, Penny Matthews
Sarah Davies, Trusts and Foundations Coordinator, Fundraising with Sacred Heart Mission said the South East Water grant would assist with providing nutritious breakfasts and hot lunches to more than 300 vulnerable men, women and children every day of the year.
“Thanks to South East Water, board and staff for building and strengthening our local community.
“With the help of generous 20 volunteers each day, our Dining Hall and kitchen are busy and welcoming space for guests and our skilled staff are available for each client to get the help and support they need to overcome their homelessness.”
Trusts and Foundations Coordinator, Sarah Davies
Now in its sixth year, South East Water’s annual Community Grants program has boosted almost 100 community groups with funding of more than $600,000.
This year, grants were given to 20 community groups. Other food relief programs supported by the Community Grants program in 2025 include those run by Lighthouse Foundation; We All Eat; Mornington Community Information and Support Services; COOK4CALD; and FoodFilled.
The Community Grants program helps make local communities better places to live and supports the delivery of projects that enhance water security and knowledge, protect the environment, support vulnerable community members and help people be more active and connected.
For more information and to see full details on the grants recipients visit southeastwater.com.au/grants
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L-R: Penny Matthews, Manager Christ Church Mission Community Centre; Sarah Davies, Trusts & Foundations Coordinator, Fundraising, Sacred Heart Mission; Paige-Elise Galloway, Community Manager South East Water; Emma Finglay, volunteer, Christ Church Mission.