‘No heat, no hygiene, no healthcare': Salvos reveal ‘shocking' statistics as Australians go without basic necessities

Sky News AU

17 hours ago

Australians suffering financial hardship are going without heating, basic hygiene products, and healthcare services in order to make ends meet, the Salvation Army has revealed.
The Salvation Army's latest research survey shows half of all people seeking their assistance are avoiding heating their homes, with 37 per cent forgoing hot showers in order to save on utility bills.
The research, released as part of the Salvo's Red Shield Appeal, found 43 per cent of those who accessed their services were unable to afford basic hygiene products such as soap, toilet paper or menstrual products, while 58 per cent were unable to visit a doctor, dentist or optometrist due to lack of money.
Bruce Harmer, the Salvation Army's head of external communications, told Sky News Australia the findings were 'quite shocking', even for the Salvation Army.
'Although we know that there are many people in need, the need seems to be deepening, and people find themselves in what I class as a prison of poverty, and they're unable to escape no matter how much they try,' he said.
An Australia Institute survey released in October found more than 52 per cent of Australian households were in a somewhat worse or much worse financial situation compared to two years earlier, while only 15 per cent said they were doing somewhat better or much better.
Mr Harmer said the Salvos' own findings showed things were getting worse for many people, and the Salvation Army was also beginning to see different groups coming to them for assistance.
'Those who have supported our red shield appeal in the past are now having to come to us for support. And you know, they're people with a great deal of pride,' he said, before encouraging those who need help to reach out.
'If you're finding it difficult to make ends meet, even if you've been a supporter or you have employment, come and see the Salvation Army.
'We can help you with budgeting. We can talk to creditors, advocate on behalf of you, and ensure that you don't slide down that slippery slope any further.
'We have a range of services. We have our money care service, which helps with budgeting and advocacy. We have our doorway service… it's the doorway through which anyone from the community can come and receive support from the Salvation Army and referrals to our other agencies and partner agencies.
'We can help with hampers, and vouchers, and electricity bills, and all those kinds of things. But also offer wrap-around services. We want people not just to have a transaction with the Salvation Army… We want their situation to be changed because of their engagement with us.'
The Salvos' research found that one in four people who reached out for help had had their electricity disconnected in the past year, while 46 per cent said their mental health had worsened over the past year.
Of those who suffered with a disability or chronic health condition, 27 per cent could not afford necessary aids or equipment such as a wheelchair or hearing aid.
'The lengths that Australians are having to resort to in order to survive is truly heartbreaking. Behind every stat in this Salvos research are real people who we have supported, many of whom are trapped in a prison of poverty and feel they do not have any hope,' Mr Harmer said.
One 37-year-old woman surveyed as part of the research said she had to choose between medical treatment and being able to afford food.
'I haven't been able to access the mobility aids I need and therefore been restricted in my movements and ability to access the communities. I had to suffer through rent increase because I couldn't afford to move,' the woman said.
Another woman, aged 52, said she was living from pay cheque to pay cheque and often went without food.
'My clothes are falling off me as I have lost weight, and I can't afford to buy ones that fit. I can't afford fuel for my car, so that leaves me isolated at home, affecting my mental health even worse than it already is.'
The research surveyed 3,586 community members who had received food, financial assistance or material aid from The Salvos. Of those, 90 per cent said they wouldn't have managed without the support of The Salvation Army.
The well-known charity and religion organisation is aiming to raise $38 million by June 30 to ensure their 2000 services across the country can continue to support Australians doing it tough.
In the past year, the Salvos provided assistance to one person every 17 seconds, with more than 1.76 million sessions of care given to over 250,000 people in need.
The organisation provided more than 1.1 million bed nights and more than 1.5 million meals to people who accessed their homelessness services.