By Parker McKenzie
Research from the Salvation Army has shown most people in need are struggling to meet basic living expenses like housing, utilities, food and health care in the past year.
As a part of their annual Red Shield Appeal, the Salvation Army surveyed over 1400 people who have requested assistance from them in the past 12 months.
After paying for housing, 93 per cent of those surveyed were living below the poverty line. 75 per cent said managing financial stress was one of their greatest challenges, 65 per cent needed to talk for financial support from friends and family and 56 per cent were not able to afford medical or dental care when it was needed.
National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army Bruce Harmer said almost half of those surveyed have gone without meals because of a shortage of money.
“Over recent years, Australians have faced unprecedented economic stress and uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation and rising costs of living. In addition, we’ve faced fires, drought and most recently floods, putting even more financial pressure on the most vulnerable,” he said.
“Both housing stress and the risk of homelessness is high amongst those who participated in our research, with 78 per cent in housing stress, paying 30 per cent or more of their household income on housing, and 48 per cent in extreme housing stress, paying 50 per cent or more of their household income on housing.”
The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $36 million to fund over 2,000 centres and services across Australia during the Red Shield Appeal taking place on 28 and 29 May.
The Victorian Government announced a $150,000 contribution to the appeal on Friday 20 May.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines said the Salvation Army makes an incredible contribution to communities across Victoria.
“We’re encouraging Victorians to dig deep because every donation to this year’s Red Shield Appeal will help to provide crucial support to some of the most vulnerable Victorians when they need it most.” he said.
The Salvation Army said in the past year it has provided more than $70 million in financial assistance, assisted one person every 17 seconds, supported 5,800 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, provided 887,500 crisis beds to people experiencing homelessness and supported around 35,000 people with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions.
To donate to the Red Shield Appeal or receive support from the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmy.org.au.
