Get help

For all-year financial support, call 03 8873 5288.

A team member will have a compassionate conversation with you to understand your needs and let you know what help is available.

If you’re eligible for a voucher, you’ll be directed to a collection point.

The Salvation Army’s free financial counselling service, Moneycare, is here to help you feel in control of your finances.

We can work with you to manage your debt, develop new strategies or you may like to explore our free eBook.

We can also point you in the right direction for a No Interest Loan.

To book an appointment, call 1800 722 363.   

The Glenelg Shire

Meet Captain Sal, our mobile support service working across the Glenelg Shire.  In Portland, Captain Sal regularly visits the Courthouse to provide a safe, welcoming presence.

Support includes shelter, hot drinks, practical reassurance, pastoral care, and advocacy for people experiencing vulnerability and hardship. Captain Sal also connects people with local services and ongoing support.

From food and financial help to tech lessons and community programs, Captain Sal brings practical care, connection, and hope right to your town.

Monday, 5.15pm

33 Henty Street, Portland

Portland Community Mealshare exists to improve the health and wellbeing of our community by offering hearty, nutritious meals in a supportive and respectful environment.

Currently, Mealshare is operating as a takeaway service. 

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a free meal and connect with our friendly community.

Portland Homelessness Services

Programs

• Opening Doors homelessness access point (initial assessment and planning)
• Case managed housing support
• Private Rental Assistance Program

Eligibility for Warrnambool Homelessness programs: People aged 25 years-plus, at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

Portland Homelessness Services cover the local government area of Glenelg Shire.

Opening Doors
Those wishing to access the homelessness access point services can be self-referred or referred by another agency. 

When you contact our service we will arrange a mutually convenient time for you to discuss your housing related issues with an initial assessment and planning worker. The worker will offer a range of advice and information about housing, accommodation, and support options, with a view to helping you to find a resolution to your issue.

Where appropriate you may be referred to external agencies or to our internal homelessness support programs.

Case-managed housing support 
Our case managed housing support program has access to 1 short-term property and 12 medium-term properties, for those who are in housing crisis. You can stay in a short-term property for a period of up to 12 weeks, and a medium-term property for up to 13 months.

While you are there a housing case manager will work with you to help you with any immediate, personal, or family related needs you may have, but their main focus is on helping you find suitable longer-term accommodation.

Private Rental Assistance Program
Our private rental assistance program (PRAP) assists people to access, or maintain, accommodation in the private rental market.

Please see the Wimmera South West PRAP page for further details.

Contact:
1800 825 955 (if you are calling from within the local government area)
03 5523 3749 (if you are calling from outside of the local government area)

Community Connect is a welcoming drop-in space at our Portland community centre, offering information, connection, and practical support

Visitors are welcome to sit down with a tea or coffee, access fresh fruit and vegetables available daily, and connect with our team in a relaxed environment.

Through Community Connect, people can access Emergency Relief referrals, Doorways support pathways, food relief information, and help connecting with local services.

Our team works alongside individuals and families to understand their needs and support next steps.

Our team can:

• Contact your utility providers about overdue bills
• Help you connect with Centrelink for employment support
• Speak with the police on your behalf
• Link you with other community services that can assist

We’d love to walk alongside you as you plan for a stronger, more hopeful future.

The Positive Lifestyle Program (PLP) is an eight-week program focused on self-discovery and personal development.

In Portland, PLP is offered through housing support case management and is available to eligible clients as part of their support plan.

Sessions will touch on points such as: 

• Self-worth
• Anger
• Feeling down and lonely
• Stress
• Grief and loss
• Assertiveness
• Self-esteem
• Future possibilities

Email us to learn more about PLP