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LACK of affordable rent, loss of employment and family violence are the main reasons people in Bendigo are seeking emergency support from the Salvation Army, staff on the front line say.
In the last 12 months, demand for services has again increased dramatically as local staff struggle to keep up with the sheer amount of people in the Bendigo region seeking help.
Salvation Army care manager for Bendigo Karen Livingston estimated there had been an 80 per cent increase in new clients, with 10 appointments and up to 20 new phone calls every day.
She said more and more people are being driven into poverty and homelessness in central and northern Victoria.
“Affordable rent is a huge problem,” Ms Livingston said.
“Losing your job can become a two-fold problem when someone can no longer afford their rent. There may be a lot of rentals on the market, but if they’re not affordable, then it becomes a problem.
“We used to a lot of women and children, but now we have a lot of older men and women – even those in their early 50s – who have lost their job and can’t find employment.”
The continuing poor conditions for farmers to the west, and the dairy crisis impacting those to the north have placed a further strain on resources.
The Salvation Army will release its fifth annual National Economic and Social Impact Survey today, detailing the impact rental availability has on homelessness.
The survey of more than 1600 clients found family violence was the reason for 37 per cent of women to move away from home.
Of those who were forced to move, 64 per cent resulted in their children having to change schools.
One in five could not afford medical treatment or prescriptions for their children, nor could they afford a yearly dental check up.
Ms Livingston said the statistics were mirrored in Bendigo.
“It’s not unusual to receive three calls a day from victims of family violence,” she said.
“I think the support we can provide them is magnificent. We can liaise with other organisations to support victims of family violence. We can provide material clothes and furniture, and refer people onto specialist agencies.
“Family violence remains a huge issue.”
Make poverty a focus this election
The Salvation Army is calling on the major parties to make poverty a key election issue, seeking a greater safety net for those who lose tenancy.
The results of a survey released today showed one in three homeless people, or those living in temporary accommodation, had previously rented privately.
Secretary Major Paul Hately said the figure pointed to the lack of security for those renting.
“What this tells us is that private rentals are not a secure form of housing for those experiencing poverty,” he said.
“One small change to an individual or family’s income, or an unexpected bill or expense, can lead to a tenancy being lost and a family becoming homeless.”
The survey also showed 85 per cent of Salvation Army clients live on less than $17 per day after accommodation is paid for, and 68 per cent living in private rentals use two-thirds of their income on rent.
Almost 40 per cent of homeless respondents had experienced persistent homelessness for two years. One in 10 had moved six times in 12 months.
Major Hately said something had to change, and hoped poverty could become a source of discussion ahead of the election.
“We need leadership and action from all levels of government,” he said.
“The results of this extensive survey of 1632 people are utterly shameful. It shows the real level of struggle taking place in our so-called ‘lucky country’.”
Each year, as funding gets tighter and demand grows, the funds raised from the Red Shield Appeal becomes more important for the Salvation Army in Bendigo.
All funds go towards their programs supporting those in need.
The Red Shield Appeal door knock runs this weekend. To donate, visit salvos.org.au
The Salvation Army can provide alcohol and drug support, emergency food and relief, counselling and other services. Contact 5440 8450 or visit the offices on Mundy Street if you require support.