BUSHFIRE-impacted North East Victoria is facing the perfect storm.
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As it battles the monumental summer bushfire recovery amid the coronavirus crisis, winter is just around the corner.
Weeks since fires ravaged Burrowa-Pine Mountain and Alpine national parks, the demand for emergency relief in the far reaches of north-eastern Victoria is more pressing now than ever.
Corryong FoodShare Services has been opening five days a week instead of one since January.
Almost 100 families still rely on the charity for food, water, clothing and furniture.
Corryong FoodShare Services spokeswoman Pastor Carol Allen said the emergency relief response had been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic and the impending winter.
She said many people were still desperate for food and water while others did not have adequate housing for the alpine winter.
"The need is still there and it's even greater because of COVID-19," she said.
"FoodShare clients can't get in to town because of the restrictions.
"Food, water and clothing are the priorities; there is a huge need for water.
"The biggest issue is warm accommodation because some people are still sleeping in caravans and tents.
"One couple from the Nariel Valley have started to put a shed up but they need carpet to go down.
"It's all very pressing; everything has been held up by COVID-19."
IN OTHER CORONAVIRUS NEWS:
Corryong FoodShare Services covers about 4000 square kilometres around Corryong, more than half the size of the Towong Shire itself.
It gets referrals from Gateway Health (Wodonga), Albury Wodonga Health and Corryong Health.
Together with husband Pastor Douglas Allen and a small army of dedicated volunteers, Mrs Allen has managed to get deliveries to all ends of the valley.
"We packed 40-odd family boxes of supplies today and half of them are gone already," Mrs Allen said.
"People are getting food weekly or fortnightly and if they need clothing, we take some out for them to look at."
Mrs Allen said she expected demand to remain unchanged until the end of the year.
"As the dust is settling, people are getting the confidence to ask for help too," she said.
To donate visit: corryong.asn.au
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