The organisation will receive funding to provide emergency relief as part of a Uniting Care Victoria and Tasmania contract with the Department of Social Services.

The contract encompasses multiple regional and metropolitan areas across the state, with Lentara Uniting Care as the lead agency.

Wimmera Uniting Care will provide financial relief and advocacy services from next month.

Chief executive Ian Hook congratulated the Federal Government for recognising the level of need in the community.

He said Wimmera Uniting Care was well-placed to take on the role and would incorporate emergency relief into its broad range of services, offering a supportive, integrated response.

‘‘In many situations, vulnerable people need help here and now so this funding will be a welcome addition to our current services,’’ he said.

‘‘We regularly get asked for this type of assistance but we had limited resources to be able to help.

‘‘From March, emergency relief will be accessible Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

‘‘The aim of these new funding arrangements is to act as a gateway to other services such as financial counselling, drug and alcohol support, crisis accommodation and mental health services so, through one initial process, the organisation can put steps in place to access support.’’

Mr Hook said there had been speculation and confusion regarding the Department of Social Services’ funding rounds.

He said respect for existing providers would be part of the planning as the program was developed.

Mr Hook said he met Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre representatives on Wednesday to discuss the new arrangements.

‘‘Unfortunately the timing of the announcements meant that many people thought emergency relief was no longer available in the region or that the new provider would be located in a larger regional centre,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re extremely happy to say emergency relief is here to stay and will remain accessible for those who need it.

‘‘Supporting our community is a team effort so we look forward to working closely with all our partners across the region, including the Christian Emergency Food Centre.’’