Research conducted by The Salvation Army has highlighted that the most vulnerable in our society are struggling to make ends meet, with 84% of those surveyed finding it a challenge to meet basic living expenses, including housing, utilities, food and health care in the past 12 months.
The new Salvation Army research report, released as part of the annual Red Shield Appeal, surveyed more than 1,400 people who have called on the Salvos for assistance over the past 12 months.
The research found that after paying for housing costs, 93% of respondents were living below the poverty line, with 75% saying that managing financial stress was one of their greatest challenges, 65% needing to ask for financial help from family and friends and 56% not being able to afford medical or dental treatment when they need it.
“Sadly, almost half of those surveyed have been forced to go without meals due to shortage of money, 36% can’t afford medicines prescribed to them, and 32% can’t pay their rent or mortgage on time,” says Major Bruce Harmer, National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army.
“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.”
“Both housing stress and the risk of homelessness are high amongst those who participated in our research, with 78% in housing stress, paying 30% or more of their household income on housing, and 48% in extreme housing stress, paying 50% or more of their household income on housing.”
After paying for housing costs, many households were left with little disposable income – respondents in paid employment were left with just $29 a day to live on after paying for housing, and those on government support payments were left with only $22 a day.
“We’re calling on the next elected Federal Government to focus on the most vulnerable in society. Being able to meet basic living expenses should be the norm for all in an advanced economy like Australia and not something we are still discussing in 2022,” says Major Harmer.
“The financial and emotional stress being faced right across our nation is enormous, and we’re calling on all Australians to give generously so that we can continue to support the most vulnerable people in the community and help them get back on their feet,” says Major Harmer.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 27 May 2022.
