In conjunction with AMSSA Youth Services, City of Melbourne and the State Government, The Huddle provided daily food packages to more than 3,000 residents locked down in the Victorian public housing towers in July.

The residents in the North Melbourne, Flemington, Kensington and Ascot Vale towers were suddenly unable to leave their homes due to tighter COVID-19 restrictions, following a spike in cases among the housing blocks.

The Huddle’s communities were all heavily impacted, but it was a show of solidarity, with our communities rallying together to donate culturally appropriate food and essential items, as volunteers worked around the clock to ensure the packages were being delivered to the towers.

Coles, 7-Eleven, Citywide and ETU were among some of the organisations to get involved.

Coles aided the distribution of more than 800 community food boxes, with 7-Eleven also donating food, Citywide providing recycling support and ETU giving hand sanitisers and other equipment to the AMSSA Mosque, to ensure good hygiene.

The Huddle’s social cohesion team also provided invaluable support in translating important information from government to the communities.

Since COVID-19 restrictions have been enforced The Huddle cannot continue to deliver programs to young people in person, effecting sports and recreation programs, education programs and career programs. The Huddle has responded quickly to move support networks online, but we need your help to continue our response to local families and young people.

If you are in a position to help, we appreciate your support - click here to donate.