The Salvation Army released alarming national survey data yesterday, revealing the harsh realities faced by Australia’s most vulnerable, showing the increasing struggle to access basic necessities. The findings underscore a disturbing rise in poverty levels, as financial pressures push many into dire situations, including skipping meals, foraging for food in bins, or “considering eating dog or cat food,” as one 62 year old woman shared.
PHOTO: Debbie Bartlett (left) and Bryan Bartlett (right) desperately need more donations to help with the tripled demand in the Snowy Monaro region.
According to the national survey, more than half of those seeking help from the Salvation Army reported skipping meals to manage financial hardship, while nearly a quarter consumed expired or spoiled food. Meanwhile a disturbing 83 percent were living below the poverty line. The situation isn’t any easier for families, with 62 percent of parents going without food to ensure their children could eat.
Locally, the Salvation Army in Cooma has witnessed a similarly distressing trend. Debbie Bartlett, Minister at the Salvation Army Cooma, has reported a substantial increase in community demand for assistance. “We’ve easily tripled the number of people we are seeing in the last 16 months since we started as ministers here in the Snowy Monaro, and that’s a conservative estimate,” she said.
In the past year alone, the Cooma Salvation Army has distributed $39,000 which was made possible through the generosity of the Monaro community. The funds are vital, ensuring families can access essential items like food and medicine. “It’s fantastic that we have a generous community, and that money was all donated from right here in the Monaro. From this we’ve been able to do things like the 403 sessions of care we have provided,” Bartlett noted.
The local demographic seeking help is diverse but predominantly comprised of women aged 45 to 55. Many in their 50s and early 60s have found themselves in precarious situations, often due to unexpected job losses. “We’ve seen quite a few people in their 50s and even very early 60s, and for whatever reason, they’ve lost their job, and they just cannot get another one,” Bartlett explained.
PHOTO: An alarming 83 percent of respondents report to be beneath the poverty line, and unable to meet their basic needs.
Interestingly, a significant portion of those seeking assistance did not identify as having a disability. Yet, the overwhelming need remains financial support, particularly among single adults. The current economic pressures have affected everyone, including potential donors. “We’re seeing donations are down, and we understand that there are so many people that are struggling, that have been affected, that normally would be giving,” Bartlett remarked.
Despite these challenges, Bartlett expressed gratitude for the community’s kindness, noting instances where those who received assistance from the Salvation Army, returned to offer even the smallest contributions. “I’ve been quite humbled that people that we’ve assisted financially have offered the support back telling us they have two bucks they can donate,” she shared.
The timing of this latest report coincides with The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, a crucial annual fundraiser. Cooma Salvation Army aims to raise $18,000 in the current month of May but is behind target, having only received around $6,000 so far. “Now’s the time to donate, and support families across the region,” urged Bartlett. Donations can be made directly on the Salvation Army Cooma page, ensuring the money stays within the local community.
You can donate to the Cooma Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal – here.