St Vincent de Paul calls for more warmth this winter

Demand for the St Vincent de Paul Society’s services is soaring, with requests for emergency relief in April-May climbing 18 per cent and the onset of bitter winter weather driving that figure even higher.  

In response, the Society is renewing its call for urgent donations to the 2025 Winter Appeal so individuals and families facing homelessness can stay warm and work toward stability. 

Southern Regional President Louise Wilson said the spike in need was hitting every corner of the state. 

“Across Hobart we’re meeting people who have never asked for help before,” she said.  

“Parents sleeping in cars with children, young people couch surfing and older Tasmanians choosing between heating and food. 

“When temperatures plummet, a warm blanket or one night of safe shelter is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline.” 

More than 5,000 people sit on Tasmania’s social housing waitlist, nearly 4,000 of whom are already homeless or in temporary accommodation.  

One in 86 Tasmanians is now seeking assistance from homelessness services, the highest rate in Australia. 

“Vinnies volunteers do whatever it takes to support those experiencing urgent need, but we cannot keep pace without community backing,” Ms Wilson said.  

“A donation to the Winter Appeal can assist in payment of an overdue power bill, stock a family’s pantry, or provide emergency accommodation on a freezing night.  

“It can be the difference between coping and crisis.” 

Funds raised stay in Tasmania, channelling directly into food hampers and vouchers, rent and utility support, prescription costs, warm clothing and blankets and critical accommodation services such as Bethlehem House and food vans statewide.  

Over the past twelve months, donor generosity has enabled the Society to distribute more than 32,000 meals and assist hundreds of households into short term shelter. 

“Rising rents and energy bills are stretching budgets to breaking point,” Ms Wilson said.  

“We’re seeing young people under 21 seeking help after family breakdowns or mental health crises and without intervention, they risk long-term homelessness” 

The Society’s volunteers are coordinating with a broad range of partners such as Housing Connect, Anglicare, SafeChoices, CatholicCare and hospital social work teams to ensure clients receive the support they need to access services available.  

However, limited phone access, transport barriers and a shortage of affordable rentals make lasting solutions hard to secure. 

“Every winter Tasmanians open their hearts, and every winter the need grows,” State President Corey McGrath said.  

“A gift of fifty dollars buys warm bedding; one hundred fills a food hamper; two hundred and fifty can fund a night of safe refuge.  

“Together we can make sure no one is left in the cold.” 

Donations can be made online at vinnies.org.au/tas, by phoning 13 18 12 or in person at any Vinnies store or hub across the state. 

“Winter is unforgiving, but with the community’s help, we can work to provide the shelter, meals and hope people desperately need right now, when it matters most,” Mr McGrath said.