Salvation Army research has highlighted that the most vulnerable in our society are struggling to make ends meet, with 90 per cent 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 report, released as part of the annual Red Shield Appeal, surveyed over 200 people who have been assisted by the Salvos in Queensland over the past 12 months.
The research found that after paying for housing costs, 96 per cent of respondents were living below the poverty line, with 74 per cent saying that managing financial stress was one of their greatest challenges, 72 per cent needing to ask for financial help from family and friends and 56 per cent 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, 48 per cent can’t afford medicines prescribed to them and 36 per cent can’t pay their rent or mortgage on time,” Simon Gregory, Qld public relations secretary, The Salvation Army, said.
“Over recent years, Queenslanders 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 is high amongst those who participated in our research, with 78 per cent in housing stress, paying 30 per cent or more of their household income on housing, and 47 per cent in extreme housing stress, paying 50 per cent 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 $28 a day to live on after paying for housing, and those on government support payments were left with only $22 a day.
“Our research has shown that the situation is particularly dire for those who are living on government support payments. These people are struggling to afford their basic needs, with 93 per cent finding it difficult to meet their necessary living expenses and 98 per cent living below the poverty line,” Mr Gregory said.
“It is abundantly clear that many of those living on government benefits are facing extreme financial pressure, finding it hard to keep a roof over their head and food on the table – the necessities of life.
“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,” Mr Gregory said.
Over the past 12 months, The Salvation Army has seen a significant increase in people who are turning to them for support, and they are calling on Queenslanders to get behind them to help the Salvos keep up with demand and leave no one in need.
The research reflects The Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake released last month, which revealed housing affordability was the second most issue of concern in the community after mental health.
Now in its 58th year, The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos’ flagship fundraising appeal.
This year the aim is to raise $5.4 million in Queensland to fund more than 400 centres and services across the state, with the Red Shield Appeal Weekend taking place on 28 and 29 May.
“We live and breathe our mission in our work with individuals and families experiencing hardship and crisis every single day, but we need the entire community’s support to achieve this. As Salvos, when we see someone in need, we can also see the potential of what they can achieve with our support, so please give generously,” Mr Gregory said.
