Only hours after the fires, Emfasis Foundation streetworkers visited the local community, documenting meticulously the findings after talking with its members, in order to establish effective ways to empower them to withstand the tragic & sudden loss of property, job, and neighbors, the destruction of their natural environment. We have gathered cases concerning individual and families, and we empower them through employment (minimum 12 months), psychosocial support, community discussion forums.
Following the devastating fires of July 23, 2018 claiming the lives of over 90 adults and children, the communities in the fire affected areas experienced a tragic turn of their life events. The loss of life, natural and neighborhood environment, houses and households, brought these communities to their knees. While they are finding ways to claim disaster aid, they are also dealing with trauma, transient accommodation, temporary or permanent job loss.
Emfasis will support for 10 documented individual cases as per the post fire field assessment, acting with dignity, respect & privacy. We verify all of the information for each case and provide support and relief through: 1)employment of minimum 1 year to affected unemployed members of the community, trained by Emfasis focusing on leading empowerment efforts, 2 temporary one bedroom accommodation for affected migrant labour, 3)psycho-drama & group activities for elder residents and children.
The community will heal from within and dignity will be restored. Residents will be empowered instead of institutionalized, feeling supported yet given the freedom to handle their individual situations. Emfasis Streetworkers will remain present to ensure the communication bridge between society and the specific communities is kept open and productive.
