Vinnies Blacktown Community hub a ray of hope in time of need for single mum

Single mother of four Evelyn Tiska felt like she was hitting rock bottom when she stumbled across the Vinnies Blacktown Community Hub.

Single mother Evelyn Tiska spoke revealed how the Vinnies hub helped her both financially and emotionally. Picture: Justin Sanson

Single mother of four Evelyn Tiska felt like she was hitting rock bottom when she stumbled across the Vinnies Blacktown Community Hub.

Ms Tiska had come out of an abusive relationship when she found herself falling behind on rent and bills and facing eviction.

“In April of this year, I received a letter from the real estate with an eviction notice and a court date for the hearing,” Ms Tiska, 44, said.

The 44-year-old “broke down and cried like a child” before she met the hub’s Kate Jargo. Picture: Justin Sanson

“My rent was one week behind and they needed it to be two weeks in advance.

“I remember that day I opened that letter, shock came over me. I grabbed my car keys and drove to the real estate agency in despair.

“When the agent came out and sat next to me, I broke down and cried like a child and explained to her that I didn’t know how I was going to be able to pay.”

The real estate agent suggested Ms Tiska, a retail worker, contact Housing NSW, which sometimes assists tenants.

“They helped me with the overdue rent but couldn’t do anything about the water bill. They suggested a list of organisations for me to call and see if I could get assistance,” Ms Tiska said.

Evelyn Tiska said she was able to get back on her feet because of the assistance provided by the Vinnies hub. Picture: Justin Sanson

Ms Tiska sat in her car and desperately called every organisation.

Unlike the other organisations that were unable to help due to no appointments, the Vinnies hub had its doors open.

“With only 30 minutes left for the court hearing to start, I rushed over there,” Ms Tiska said.

The hub’s Kate Jargo met Ms Tiska and helped her pay her bill, stopping the hearing from happening.

“Kate called the agent who was sitting in court waiting for the hearing to start and made the payment for the water bill,” Ms Tiska said.

“As a result, I wasn’t evicted but then not only did I receive the financial help I so desperately needed, Kate went that extra mile (and) also took the time to listen to what I was going through.”

The Blacktown hub is the first of its kind in NSW and is operated by Vinnies Parramatta Central Council.

Vinnies Parramatta Central Council president Anne Stanfield said staff were trained to deal with the “complex needs of the people” that pass through the community hub’s doors.

The Vinnies Blacktown Community Hub is the first of many more planned for western Sydney. Picture: Justin Sanson

“People come here for emergency relief around food and bills, assessment, advocacy and referral support for people experiencing disadvantage, in addition to the home visitations our members provide,” Ms Stanfield said.

Blacktown Community Hub

-Since the hub opened in March, it has helped
-550 clients.

-40 per cent of clients were referred to the hub.

-480 clients required assistance with food.

-40 clients were over the age of 65.

-People seeking assistance can phone [phone] or visit 23 David Lane, Blacktown.