Data reveals Aussies ‘embarrassed’ to turn to charity amidst cost of living crisis
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As the cost of living continues to climb, many folks are feeling the squeeze.
From struggling to cover bills to rethinking spending habits, it's hitting home for many people.
A worrying trend has emerged. A record number of Australians, many of whom have never needed assistance before, are now turning to charities in their time of need.
The situation has become so dire that embarrassment and shame are common among those seeking help, as they apologise to charity workers, feeling undeserving or concerned that others might be in greater need.
Since December 2023, the Salvation Army, a beacon of hope for many, has reported a significant surge in the number of people accessing their services for the first time.
New South Wales Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary Andrew Hill said, ‘These are people that have never reached out to a charity before.’
‘They are embarrassed and have a sense of shame when asking us for help…People are apologising to us, saying, “I’m sure there are others who are worse off, but I don’t know where to go or what to do.”’
They added, ‘Either they’ve been evicted because they cannot pay rent, or they are having to choose between utilities or food, which are impossible choices.’
A recent study conducted by the Salvation Army painted a grim picture. 94 per cent of those seeking help were unable to afford basic necessities like housing, groceries, medical care, and utilities.
They also found that 63 per cent of those seeking assistance have skipped meals, and over a quarter have resorted to consuming expired or spoiled food to survive.
The financial strain was evident, with 61 per cent unable to pay their utility bills on time—a figure that was more than six times the national average.
The crisis is not just about hunger; it's about displacement and isolation.
Mr Hill said, ‘We are seeing people being priced out of the areas they have lived in for 10 to 15 years (because) of rental increases.’
‘That means they’ve been priced out of their support structure, where they go to doctors, where their kids go to school, generally the area they are familiar with.’
‘That increases their feeling of isolation,’ he added.
The research, which surveyed 1500 people who had reached out to the Salvos Doorways and emergency relief service over 12 months, indicates that the situation has been worsening.
Mr Hill said, ‘Certainly, we started to see this last Christmas, people were reaching out for the first time.’
‘But we are seeing on the front lines that it is hitting hardest right now.’
In response to this escalating crisis, the Salvation Army is launching its 60th Red Shield Appeal with the goal of raising $38 million.
These statistics are not the only indicator of the worsening cost of living crisis.
A previous story revealed that one can spot visual indicators of this worsening crisis at local parks. Read more about the story here.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the cost-of-living crisis? How have you coped with the rising expenses? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
From struggling to cover bills to rethinking spending habits, it's hitting home for many people.
A worrying trend has emerged. A record number of Australians, many of whom have never needed assistance before, are now turning to charities in their time of need.
The situation has become so dire that embarrassment and shame are common among those seeking help, as they apologise to charity workers, feeling undeserving or concerned that others might be in greater need.
A record number of Australians are turning to charity assistance for the first time. Image Source: Pexels / RDNE Stock project
New South Wales Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary Andrew Hill said, ‘These are people that have never reached out to a charity before.’
‘They are embarrassed and have a sense of shame when asking us for help…People are apologising to us, saying, “I’m sure there are others who are worse off, but I don’t know where to go or what to do.”’
They added, ‘Either they’ve been evicted because they cannot pay rent, or they are having to choose between utilities or food, which are impossible choices.’
A recent study conducted by the Salvation Army painted a grim picture. 94 per cent of those seeking help were unable to afford basic necessities like housing, groceries, medical care, and utilities.
They also found that 63 per cent of those seeking assistance have skipped meals, and over a quarter have resorted to consuming expired or spoiled food to survive.
The financial strain was evident, with 61 per cent unable to pay their utility bills on time—a figure that was more than six times the national average.
The crisis is not just about hunger; it's about displacement and isolation.
Mr Hill said, ‘We are seeing people being priced out of the areas they have lived in for 10 to 15 years (because) of rental increases.’
‘That means they’ve been priced out of their support structure, where they go to doctors, where their kids go to school, generally the area they are familiar with.’
‘That increases their feeling of isolation,’ he added.
The research, which surveyed 1500 people who had reached out to the Salvos Doorways and emergency relief service over 12 months, indicates that the situation has been worsening.
Mr Hill said, ‘Certainly, we started to see this last Christmas, people were reaching out for the first time.’
‘But we are seeing on the front lines that it is hitting hardest right now.’
In response to this escalating crisis, the Salvation Army is launching its 60th Red Shield Appeal with the goal of raising $38 million.
These statistics are not the only indicator of the worsening cost of living crisis.
A previous story revealed that one can spot visual indicators of this worsening crisis at local parks. Read more about the story here.
