The Emerald Community House (ECH) advances social and public welfare by providing benevolent relief to members of the hills community.
The centre creates programs that respond to identified needs and interests, providing support to those who are affected by crises or displaced by disruptive events and providing services with learning and development outcomes for disadvantaged individuals.
ECH activities help to alleviate hardship by operating community food resources for those suffering financial distress, not-for-profit childcare and adult education. Our enterprises include the Emerald Community Market (3rd Sunday), the Dig In Community Grocery and a short course program. ECH operates two solar power arrays including battery storage to increase operational sustainability and resilience. The Dig In Community Grocery operates totally off the grid.
ECH auspices the Hills Creative Alliance and the Hills Community Focus (HCF) magazine, a volunteer-run local publication for the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire hills area. HCF started in 2023 and was created in response to the June 2021 hills storm disaster. Volunteer positions are available for leading editors, writers, proofreaders and graphic designers. Other specific volunteer opportunities may be available from time to time at ECH. Tertiary placements and Centrelink job seekers are also considered for volunteering positions to develop workplace skills. Employment for qualified childcare educators is currently on offer.
ECH office hours are from 10am to 3pm Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Free non-perishable food purchased by ECH is available 24/7 from our front verandah and also available in the Dig In Community Grocery. Food donations within use-by dates are also appreciated.
Reach out at emhouse@iinet.net.au, at www.echvic.org.au, market@echvic.org.au or 03 5968 3881.
