Surge in demand for Vinnies’ help as cost of living bites

Increases in the cost of living are forcing West Australian families to go hungry as they struggle to make ends meet, new data from Vinnies WA has revealed.

In the month of May, Vinnies’ Emergency Assistance and Support program helped 2060 families, which is an increase of more than 25 percent compared to the previous month.

With Perth recording the largest rise in inflation of all capital cities in the March quarter, calls to the Vinnies WA call centre surged to 4,000 during May.

“Food insecurity is the number one flagged issue, and almost all clients who call Vinnies request help with food,” said Maija Hildebrand, Service Development Manager at Vinnies WA said.

“We’re seeing many new people reaching out for help, with more and more clients worried about the cost of living, inflation and rises in food prices.”

Ms Hildebrand added that many new clients were private renters who were struggling to keep up with rent, while there was also an increase in the number of clients sleeping in their cars.

Vinnies is currently running its annual Winter Appeal, with a particular focus on supporting women and children escaping family and domestic violence.

While Vinnies in Western Australia is not a primary provider of family and domestic violence services, its Emergency Assistance and Support program provides victims with practical support during times of crisis.

To donate to Vinnies current Winter Appeal, and help make a positive difference in these people’s lives, visit our website or call 13 18 12.

Vinnies is Western Australia’s largest provider of emergency assistance and support. Every year, Vinnies assists more than 55,000 West Australians by providing emergency relief such as food, furniture, clothing as well as help with bills and rent. Vinnies also runs a range of specialised services and programs in the areas housing and homelessness, mental health, migrants and refugees, youth services, financial counselling.

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Contact

David Settelmaier
Media and Communications Coordinator, Vinnies WA

P 0481 914 683
E david.settelmaier@svdpwa.org.au