Vinnies addressing poverty across the state

More than 200,000 people have been supported by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members and services in the past year, providing vital relief to people facing hardship and disadvantage across the state. 

The impact the Society NSW has been able to make comes as Anti-Poverty Week (13-19 October) draws attention to the growing number of people struggling to contend with the rising cost of living.

Figures released by ACOSS show that 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 children are currently living below the poverty line in Australia. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australia has the 15th highest poverty rate (12.6%) out of 36 OECD countries, ranking above the average 11.9% rate. 

The Society NSW’s members and employees at Vinnies Support Centres supported 99,850 people in the 2023/24 Financial Year, providing $13.6 million in financial and material aid. One in three people sought assistance for the first time, while four in five sought food assistance and close to half cited housing stress. 

Additionally, 102,000 people were supported by Vinnies Vans operating across Sydney and regional NSW. More than 95,000 meals were served as part of day and night-time services, along with an additional 85,000 snack packs and toiletries packs distributed to people seeking assistance.  

A recent report by The McKell Institute, examining the effectiveness of the Society NSW’s emergency relief programs, found that the assistance provided played a key role in averting severe issues such as eviction or severe hunger, for more than four in five people.

“The assistance provided by the Society NSW acts as a safety net in preventing people who are experiencing poverty and disadvantage from facing deeper crises,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“We’ve found that by taking an early intervention approach through our members and employees, we’re able to support people with their immediate needs, while also connecting them with other services that can play a significant role in addressing the root causes of their hardship.

“There are often many causes of hardship that people experiencing poverty face and we’re fortunate to be able to respond with wraparound support that is tailored to the specific needs of an individual,” said Ms Saiz.

People experiencing poverty are disproportionately impacted by cost of living pressures. The continuing crises has meant that people are facing hardships that have become greater and more complex. 

“Data from The McKell Institute report underscores the critical importance of The Society NSW’s emergency relief program in early intervention and being able to prevent dire circumstances from getting worse,” said Peter Houweling, President, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

“The Society can provide a range of assistance to people that makes a difference in real time by drawing on the infrastructure that the Society has established throughout the state.

“This Anti-Poverty Week, I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to get involved and start making an impact in their local community,” said Mr Houweling.

People can access support from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW by contacting 13 18 12 and get involved in providing assistance as members at: www.vinnies.org.au/membersnsw