Early in 2020, bushfires across vast portions of Australia worsened poverty and marginalisation. Then, worse things happened when the coronavirus outbreak exacerbated the situation.
For the community service sector, several survey data shed light on pressing issues. The lack of committed assistance because of under-investment, resource instability, and undervaluation compounded the need to adapt to changes quickly.
Yet, despite the complex and uncertain conditions brought by the unprecedented crisis, the community service sector has maintained its sense of responsibility.
CEO of Bowen Property Center, Hannah Wilson, as one housing and homelessness program coordinator, says, “Working amidst COVID is challenging, but we have to be there. We just need help.”
With Covid-19 reshaping the community service sector, here are aspects that Progressive Care Solutions believes needs re-thinking during and after the pandemic.
MAINTAIN INCOME SUPPORT AND JOBKEEPER SUBSIDIES
COVID’s added burden on community service, members, workers, and volunteers alike stressed the importance of maintaining more significant levels of financial assistance and JobKeeper subsidies. Individuals and families benefited from these programs, which helped alleviate poverty and relieve the burden on towns and voluntary bodies.
ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF MARGINALISED GROUPS
Community service workers emphasise the importance of recognising the growing complexity of the community’s needs. On top of this is the call to speedily address the exclusion of the Australian masses welfare safety net. These are those on temporary work visas, asylum seekers, international students, and contract jobs. Many of them may not qualify for JobKeeper under existing agreements.
WAIVING OR REDUCING MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The pandemic’s situations heightened the need to end or minimise mutual responsibility standards. Doing so would greatly benefit job searchers. Especially those with severe unemployment and finds scarcity of suitable positions.
SUPPORT COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
Another issue that needs changing during and after COVID is community organisations’ operations. Organisers call for support to develop and embed new models of service provision. The primary goal of which is to ensure flexibility in supporting communities through the crisis.
RECOGNISE THE COMMUNITY SERVICE SECTOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Underpinning these issues is a need for recognition of the community sector’s role. Community service organisations argue for meaningful acknowledgement from the government. Such recognitions could be a well-deserved response for the community service sector’s knowledge, experience and contributions in responding to Australia’s social and economic needs through the crisis.
TRANSITION YOUR NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS TO SOCIAL ENTERPRISE WITH PROGRESSIVE CARE SOLUTIONS
Given these increasing complexities brought by the pandemic, it would be best to make the most out of your not for profit organisation. To accurately think of nonprofits, you have to envision the ability to accept investments, receive grants, and offer a tax deduction to donors. Doing so will allow you to carry out pro bono services and have an enhanced capacity to help.
Progressive Care Solutions takes pride in our consultancy services. We help non-profit organisations transition to social enterprises with our extensive years of experience and expertise. Our services include identifying gaps in transition readiness, coaching and mentoring during the implementation of each transition stage.
Contact us, and we’ll take the hard work from there.