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<h4>The St Vincent de Paul Society offers services that help people in need.</h4>
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<h4>This year the cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone including people with a regular income.</h4>
<p>Our <strong>Cost of Living</strong> programs assist people who cannot afford household bills or achieve what most people would call a ‘decent’ standard of living. Our programs include advocating to utility or credit providers and assistance to access utility discounts; emergency financial support; paying medical or pharmacy costs; no interest loans; energy market monitoring and advocacy; financial counselling.</p>
<h4><span class="highlight-block">2024-2025&nbsp; |&nbsp; $5.8M OF CARE PROVIDED</span></h4>

Good cares

Vinnies VIC: Our Cost of Living programs focus on alleviating and lifting people out of adverse circumstances. 

2024-2025 Cost of Living statistics in Victoria

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<h4>Amid the ever-rising tide of expenses, Victorian families, including those with young children, find themselves in an increasingly precarious situation.</h4>
<p>In this challenging economic landscape, our Cost of Living programs become a beacon of hope, taking the pressure off people and families grappling with costs associated with attaining a 'decent' standard of living, such keeping a roof overhead or the lights on, accessing necessary medication or even having regular warm showers.</p>
<p>As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, Christmas takes on a different tone for families like Sarah’s**. The joy of the season is overshadowed by the anxiety of keeping a roof over their head and providing a basic meal.</p>
<p>Many vulnerable families, pushed to the brink of homelessness, grapple with constant stress during this time. Sarah and her family faced piling medical bills following her husband's car accident, soaring rent prices and the struggle to stay afloat.</p>
<p>From a comfortable life in a their own home they went ot sleeping on the floor in one room at her parent's house.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Rising costs, rising support: How Vinnies helps</h4>
<p>The soaring cost of living continues to hit families hard with rent, mortgage rates, utilities and essential services skyrocketing. This surge has prompted a notable increase in individuals seeking assistance from our services. Even those with jobs are struggling to make ends meet.</p>
<p>Last financial year, Vinnies spent $5.8m on assisting Victorians with cost-of-living expenses, including medical costs, paying for household items and utility bills.</p>
<p>To offer both short- and long-term relief, we provide free financial counselling, capability programs and nationally recognised tariff-tracking reports to save on energy bills. Our strong reputation enables us to advocate and lobby for systemic changes, aiming to alleviate the financial strain faced by our community.</p>
<h4>How you can help</h4>
<p>You have the power to make a difference.</p>
<p>Consider donating to our <a href="https://donate.vinnies.org.au/christmas-appeal-vic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vinnies Christmas Appeal</strong></a> if you are in a position to contribute or volunteer your time to help alleviate the harsh realities faced by countless individuals today.</p>
<p>Together, we can cushion the impact of the rising cost of living, ensuring that hope and assistance reach people – and families – who need it most.</p>
<h5><br>**First name only used to protect the person’s identity.</h5>

Rich Text

Support from Vinnies changed everything for Sarah and her family during one of the hardest times of their lives.

Meet Sarah

Tania faced several challenges including relationship breakdown, mental health issues while trying to make ends meet.

Meet Tania

The journey of Pedi and Ameera from regional Victoria perfectly illustrates how the 240+ conferences transform lives daily. 

Meet Pedi & Ameera

As the cost of everything goes up, except her income, Anna faces an uphill battle that she can never get ahead of each week.

Meet Anna

Good cares

This year the cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone including people with a regular income.

2024-2025 | $5.8M OF CARE PROVIDED

2024-2025 Impact Report

Good cares

Meet Sarah

Meet Tania

Meet Pedi & Ameera

Meet Anna