PCIA Community Services
PCIA is dedicated to supporting the Palestinian Christian community in Australia by providing housing assistance, food support, education, mental health services, and training and employment opportunities.
Housing
The war in Gaza has severely impacted the Christian community, with many still sheltering in churches. Hundreds have arrived in Australia on special visas, while others await approval. Since January 2024, PCiA, with support from various churches and individual donors, has helped over 350 people by securing and furnishing homes for 72 families, with 3 more families approved for housing. An additional 30 families are expected soon, and more funding is needed to support them.
Education
Since October 2023, the children have not been attending school. Once they arrive in Australia, we have been able to help the parents enroll the children in public schools. We also helped secure scholarships for the first year for most of the children at the local Catholic schools. The children are now settling into a routine, and some started receiving merit certificates! We wish them all the best.
Food
Since November 2023, our volunteers have been working hard collecting food, toiletries, clothes, toys and school supplies for Gaza families. We also partner with charities to coordinate provision of food supplies to families in need.
Mental Health
Bi-lingual Palestinian mental health professional volunteers are playing an important role in providing mental health support to Gaza families arriving in Australia. They find our volunteers within our community to be understanding, caring and above all understand the culture and the language. We want to provide more one on one support, especially for young people.
Employment & Training
Our service providers offer our community cultural awareness programs, English classes, CV review and editing, and specialised training such as bookkeeping, administrative services, IT services. All programs aim to support future workers to be job ready and increase the chance of success in the workforce.
