By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
RAYNA Hollis is a battler, regardless of her postcode.
The Belmont single mum admits bringing up her two daughters is a struggle.
But her 3216 postcode, widely perceived as one of Geelong’s affluent areas, only makes it worse.
“The social services don’t really acknowledge the affluent postcodes,” said Rayna, who “everyone” calls Ray.
“All the resources go to the northern suburbs but doing it hard is no respecter of postcodes.
“It’s not confined to where you live but if you’re not in Corio you don’t get help.”
Ray also battled with higher rent in Belmont than other suburbs, despite receiving Aboriginal housing assistance.
So she was relieved to discover 3216 Connect and its op shop in Dendle St, Grovedale, through a primary school newsletter.
“It’s made a huge difference,” Ray said simply.
The op shop, established under the auspices of South Barwon Christian Reformed Church, has been running for 12 months.
Pastor Clinton Berends said the shop was a great way to connect with people suffering disadvantage in the area.
“We wanted to serve the local community better, to have a presence and place in community,” he said.
“We’re discovering through the op shop that a lot of people with disadvantage are from this area.
“Being in this postcode can sometimes be a façade and hide some issues.”
For Ray, the shop was an opportunity to move from being helped to becoming a helper.
“I know there are people worse off, so I donate stuff we don’t need any more,” she said.
“It works both ways.”
