In the small Wimmera town of Hopetoun, 78-year-old Nicholas Martin has found a lifeline at his local Neighbourhood House. Before joining, his only connection to the outside world was through a landline phone. Martin is among many elderly residents in the area who live alone without access to smartphones or computers. Six years ago, he sought help applying for a government energy rebate and became one of the 185,000 Victorians who visit their local Neighbourhood House weekly. "I haven't got a computer. I don't know how to operate a computer. Probably never ever will," Martin said. The staff at Neighbourhood House assisted him in purchasing an affordable flip phone, ensuring he could stay safe and reachable during his 110-kilometer trips to Horsham for medical appointments. "They've programmed RACV numbers and all of that. I couldn't have done that," he added. They also helped him acquire an emergency pendant for crisis situations. "I would not have been able to acquire it. I wouldn't have known where to start," Martin said. He expressed gratitude for the support he receives, stating, "I couldn't operate without it. I'm serious. I've got to have access to government things. But every bloody thing you've got to be on a computer." **Funding Crisis** The Victorian government provides essential financial support to 400 Neighbourhood Houses across the state. However, many of these branches are facing a funding crisis. Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has requested an increase of $11.7 million in annual funding from the state government. CEO Keir Paterson warned that without additional funding, closures could become a reality. "Neighbourhood Houses are under unprecedented pressure," he said. "Rising costs, growing community demand, and eroded core funding are forcing houses across the state to cut hours, staff, and programs. Years of underfunding has pushed almost half into deficit, leaving them at risk of closure." Paterson emphasized the importance of these centers, stating, "Our data shows that for every $1 of ongoing Neighbourhood House funding received from the state government, communities benefit to the tune of $21.94." **Community Engagement** At the Hopetoun District Neighbourhood House, manager Erin Paech reported that between 50 and 80 residents visit each week. "Some days you can get four people. Some days you can get 20," she noted. For 76-year-old Faye Perry, the Neighbourhood House serves as a vital social outlet. She meets with a group of women, aged 60 to 90, each week to crochet. "Well, sometimes we come and we might talk more than we crochet," Perry said. Many women joined during the harvest season to avoid isolation while their families worked on the farm. "We catch up with one another with news for the week," Perry said. "It's good company to get out of the house and talk to other people. We can come here and ask the girls, and they'll put us on the right track." **Uncertain Future** The Victorian government has not confirmed whether it will provide additional funding to Neighbourhood Houses Victoria. A spokesperson mentioned that last year's budget allocated $2.5 million in food relief through over 70 Neighbourhood Houses and $9 million to the Community Food Relief Program this year. Perry expressed concern about the potential impact of a closure or reduced hours on her community. "I need to get out because I've got a farmer husband and he's most of the time out at the farm," she said. "I need to come in and meet the girls and have a chat. I think it [a closure or reduction of hours] would be hard."