Moving house costs money, and if you are relocating to another town or region it is even more expensive. So how do you pay for moving when you’ve had to flee your country, you need to help your loved ones to escape the horror in your homeland, but you don’t have any money?

Community Connections’ multicultural services are now offering the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) to low-income refugees and new migrants to help them with some of the costs of resettling family members. Loans of up to $2,500 are available for visa costs, air fares, accommodation related to reuniting families or permanent relocation, and other discretionary items.

‘These loans are a lifeline for many people and families in the South West,’ says Jayne Wooles of Community Connections’ Multicultural Development Unit, who administer the loans.

‘Often one family member will arrive first. Then they have to organise a home, learn English, get a job, learn Australian customs and lifestyle; and all they can really think about is getting their children and family safely to Australia,’ she said.

Some new migrants and refugees to Australia never manage a reunion and spend the rest of their lives isolated from their families and their home country. While most make happy homes in Australia, for those who lose their families, the grief can be overwhelming.

‘Being a new migrant or refugee can be extremely lonely, and the worry for loved ones left behind is very real. When Community Connections helps these people, we are asserting their human rights to safety and wellbeing,’ says Ms Wooles.

‘We are helping them to live the same life that the rest of us take for granted.’

Community Connections’ Multicultural Development Unit supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in a range of ways, including NILS. For more information, call Community Connections on 1300 361 680 or CLICK HERE to view our services.