Cost-of-living crisis hits home

A local Salvation Army Mission Leader, Lauren Martin, says cost-of-living pressures are causing a huge amount of stress for local families, with the number of people she supports doubling over the past year.

“We are also seeing a rise in the number of people we are supporting through family/domestic violence situations and housing stress,” Lauren says.

The Salvation Army has released the results of national research revealing that in the past 12 months, 93% of respondents who reached out to The Salvation Army for support were struggling to afford basic living necessities.

Lauren says even in the fairly middle-class suburbs that she works in (Woonona to Helensburgh), she’s seeing many people unable to afford things like health-care and other essentials.

“One family that I supported for a while became vegetarian, but not by choice, because the cost of purchasing meat was too much,” she says.

2508 Salvos assists in a range of ways in our community, from journeying with people through relationship breakdown, housing stress and re-location, family/domestic violence support, and helping people access financial support and food relief.

“We have links to a huge network of support services,” says Lauren. “But I think the key thing about the Salvos is that we stand alongside people for the whole journey, so that people know they have someone supporting them who truly cares, as they take brave steps to reaching their goals.”

One community member being supported by 2508 Salvos gave this feedback: “The Salvation Army has helped give me back my life, I know that I’m not alone. With every aspect of mine and my family’s life, there has been support and encouragement. It has enabled us to get on with our lives after a very traumatic incident.”

The Salvation Army has launched its major annual fundraiser, the Red Shield Appeal, with 2508 Salvos hoping to raise enough funds to employ a one-day-per-week case worker to help support the growing number of people needing assistance.

“We rely completely on donations to operate our 2508 Salvos Mission,” says Lauren. “If you can afford it, please give generously. And if you’re struggling, please reach out for assistance.

“Money donated to our local 2508 Salvos stays in this area to assist local residents.”

To donate to Lauren's appeal, please visit the website