THE IMPACT of the cost of living is taking its toll on Bunbury charities, with supplies running thin to meet the increased demand for a helping hand.
As we head into the second month of winter, local organisations have spoken to the Bunbury Mail about the urgent need for food, financial assistance and blankets for those doing it tough.
Foodbank donations have fallen significantly in the last year, with chief executive officer Greg Hebble revealing it was the first time in the organisation’s 21-year history they have had to purchase more than $200,000 of staple products to meet the demand from families.
Foodbank Bunbury is the largest regional branch in WA but the local warehouse is “all but empty”, with a six per cent drop in supplies compared to this time last year.
Bunbury’s Salvation Army is also feeling the strain, said Lieutenant Harriet Farquhar.
“The biggest factor for our increased demand is the mismatch of income to the cost of living,” Ms Farquhar said.
“People are behind the eight ball because they have to pay more for accommodation and with the rising cost of electricity, gas and food we are definitely seeing the ripple effect of this.”
In May and June this year the local Salvation Army provided $23,700 worth of assistance to needy families, compared to $19,300 over the same period last year.
The Intown Centre provides meals, financial assistance and advice and centre manager Leanne Gibbs said the number of people seeking help was increasing on a monthly basis.
“This year so far we have helped more than 450 new clients seeking financial assistance and provided meals to 10,630 people from all over the South West,” she said.
“It is definitely attributed to the rising cost of living and there is not enough housing for people on a low income.
“People are not equipped with the right skill set to know how to budget and we are seeing second and third generations coming through.”
Accordwest chief executive officer Neil Hamilton said the defunding of financial counsellors, announced in Budget cuts, would only make the situation worse.
“People need to be educated about budgeting, especially when the rental property market is well out of reach for the low income earner,” Mr Hamilton said.
Ms Farquhar said even the smallest donations can make a big impact – cans of soup, tuna and long-life milk were the most needed.
“One can of baked beans can sometimes be the difference to a family eating dinner or not.”
Bunbury’s Salvation Army 9791 5200
Bunbury Intown Centre 9791 4214
St Vincent de Paul Bunbury 9721 8859
Bunbury AccordWest 9729 9000
Foodbank Bunbury 9726 2362
