Cost of living assistance welcomed by Vinnies NSW

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement to increase funding for Financial Wellbeing and Capability grant programs to assist people facing cost of living hardship.

The Federal Government has announced an additional $114.8 million in funding over the next five years to enable services such as the Society to respond to people in need of emergency relief.

The Society has supported 67,000 people already this financial year with more than $7.4 million in financial and material assistance.

“We are thankful to the Federal Government and Minister Rishworth for responding to the cost of living crisis that has impacted people facing disadvantage first and hardest,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“Our members are supporting people lining up out the door for assistance with the basics, so the additional funding will enable the Society to respond to the growing demand for our services and ensure that people are able to put food on the table and remain in their homes during a time of uncertainty,” said Ms Saiz.

Four in five people seeking assistance from St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members have requested support with food, while two in five are facing housing stress.

“This is a welcome announcement for our members who are meeting and addressing the needs of people in crisis every day in communities across the state,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“We have seen a considerable number of people reach out to the Society for the first time during the cost of living crisis, including an increasing number of working households who are struggling to make ends meet.

"We look forward to every opportunity in continuing to work with the Federal Government and Minister Rishworth on measures that will enable the Society to support people in times of hardship,” said Mr Burton.

People can access support from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW by contacting 13 18 12 or www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/find-help.