When South Australians need help during natural emergencies like fires and floods, SA Housing Trust is the Lead Agency for Emergency Relief and does so via the Emergency Relief Functional Support Group (ERFSG), providing assistance through its Emergency Relief Centres (ERC).
The ERFSG is tasked by the State Emergency Centre to setup ERCs during an emergency to offer people a care, comfort, and support if they can’t stay home because it is unsafe. People can remain in the ERC for a few hours before returning home if home is safe.
If the emergency is over an extended period, staff at the ERC may offer accommodation and emergency financial assistance with Personal Hardship Grants to help with necessities like food, clothing and medicine until people can safely go home.
As the emergency passes and the recovery phase begins, Recovery Centres may be established which are managed by staff who work closely with Security, Emergency and Recovery Management assisting community members as they rebuild their homes and businesses. agencies across government like PIRSA, Greenwaste, SA Health, and other agencies may be present at Recovery Centres to assist the community through waste management, securing and re-building properties, stock management and re-establishing essential services. There is also information on any financial assistance available.
Recent emergencies the SA Housing Trust has been responded to:
- River Murray Flood
- Kangaroo Island fire
- Cudlee Creek fire
- Yorketown fire