While all Australians are feeling the pinch of the cost of living pressures, it’s more extreme for some.
The Salvos are seeing more and more people living below the breadline – skipping meals, going without prescribed medications, struggling to keep the lights on.
New research has revealed that in the past 12 months, 93% of respondents who reached out to The Salvation Army for support were struggling to afford basic living necessities.
This means that after paying for essential living costs, such as housing, food, utilities, health and fuel, the typical respondent is living on less than $6 a day to spend or save for other expenses.
More than 1700 Australians who have used The Salvation Army’s services over the past 12 months were surveyed for the charity’s report. The research, released to coincide with The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal, also found half of respondents (50%) cannot afford essential healthcare, 52% are skipping meals to save money and 75% are experiencing housing stress.
“We don’t want anybody in Tasmania to struggle alone – times are tough, but we can get through it together, with your support” says Amelia Natoli of The Salvation Army Tasmania.
“We have seen an increase in people reaching out for support and want to make sure we can continue to provide essential assistance.”
This is why The Salvation Army is calling on the local community to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal. All funds raised locally will stay local, to continue vital services across the state.
Now in its 59th year, the Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos flagship fundraising appeal. In Tasmania, The Salvos are aiming to raise $200,000 from the community door-knock, shopping centre stands and events happening this weekend and into June.
