Grant powers Kensington Neighbourhood House’s Help Hub

Residents in Kensington facing housing insecurity, health challenges and family violence will soon have greater access to support, with Kensington Neighbourhood House receiving funding for its Help Hub initiative through energy provider Jemena’s Community Grants Program.

The Help Hub is a place-based service designed to provide tailored, one-on-one support for vulnerable residents navigating complex systems across housing, health, disability and family services. Backed by the new grant, the program will assist at least 250 people through 960 individual appointments.

Kensington Neighbourhood House manager Rebecca Smith said the funding would make a vital difference for residents struggling amid ongoing cost-of-living and housing pressures.

“This grant will make an enormous difference in our neighbourhood,” Ms Smith said. “During these times of housing insecurity and cost-of-living pressures, many of our most marginalised residents are struggling.”

Now in its seventh year, Jemena’s Community Grants Program has distributed more than $870,000 to 85 community organisations across Australia. Its 2025 funding round saw 16 community groups share in more than $163,000, with grants targeted at initiatives tackling disadvantage and supporting vulnerable people.

Jemena executive general manager, people, safety and governance, Craig Ypinazar, said the company was proud to support local volunteer organisations that play an essential role in their communities.

“Local volunteer organisations are at the heart of their communities,” Mr Ypinazar said. “We can see from the type of applications we received that cost of living is still a major concern for many people. These grants can go some way towards assisting those who really need it.”

He said this year’s grants had helped a wide range of community services, including food programs, multicultural outreach initiatives and animal rescues supporting disadvantaged pet owners, particularly those escaping domestic and family violence.

For Kensington Neighbourhood House, the grant represents not just financial assistance but an opportunity to strengthen its mission of inclusion and support in a diverse and fast-changing community.

The Help Hub will begin operating later this year, providing a safe, accessible space for residents to seek guidance and practical help – ensuring that, as Ms Smith put it, “no-one in Kensington faces their challenges alone.” •