Representative Eric Quarmby presented the cheque to Samaritans chaplain Father Peter Tinney during the official launch at St John's Anglican Church (the church with the blue cross) on Wednesday.

Reverend Canon Keith Dean-Jones from St John's, who is also a Samaritans board member and the previous chairman, performed the launch during the morning tea and fellowship that followed that day's service.

The Samaritans ask the local community to join the charity in addressing the growing issue of homelessness and disadvantage in the Manning Valley

Father Tinney said the Samaritans understand the turbulent economic times will most likely make it more difficult for people to support this year's appeal, however the climate also means there are more people than ever needing help.

"We have experienced an increased demand in the way of homelessness and poverty (across the diocese ? which stretches from Woy Woy to Camden Haven)," he said.

The Samaritans play a huge role in the Manning community and are much more than just emergency relief and an op-shop.

Locally they have youth services, including crisis refuge, a number of flats for young people and some supervision, mentoring and care for young people.

They also have accommodation services for people with a disability and have three group homes in the Manning region where they provide 24-hour care.

They also now have a new ASSET (Adult, Skills, Support, Education, Training) service which is about providing social skills to young people leaving school so they can live in the adult world.

According to statistics 100,000 people, including 10,000 children under 12, are homeless every night in Australia and this year Samaritans has seen a large increase of the number of people at imminent risk or experiencing homelessness.

With unemployment tipped to rise as a result of the financial slowdown, Samaritans area coordinator for community services Helen Fielder-Gill said now is the time to act on homelessness.