Among the most common types of assistance provided were food and clothing, furniture and bedding, help with utility bills, and transport such as fuel and smart riders.
This year’s Anti-Poverty Week (16-22 October) is urging Parliamentarians across Australia to legislate to half child poverty by 2030.
“The number of children who are experiencing poverty and disadvantage is alarming,” said Vinnies CEO Susan Rooney.
“In a state as wealthy as Western Australia, it is simply unacceptable that children have to grow up without access to the most basic necessities like food, clothing and a safe, stable home,” she added.
Rising interest rates and rents as well as a lack of affordable housing are placing unprecedented pressure on WA families. Vinnies financial counsellors are reporting that WA families have been forced to decide whether
they can keep a roof over their head, put fuel in the car, attend medical appointments or buy food.
Vinnies is calling on the Federal Government to:
Ms Rooney is also urging the State Government to support WA renters. “In these challenging times, if the State Government were to introduce a rental subsidy, it would make a very real difference to vulnerable West Australian families experiencing rental stress, and stop them from sliding into homelessness,” she said.
Vinnies WA runs the largest volunteer-delivered emergency assistance program in WA. It assists more than 55,000 Western Australians a year by providing vital support such as food, furniture, clothing and assistance with bills and rent and delivers a range of specialised services and programs in the areas of homelessness, housing, mental health, youth services, and financial counselling.
David Settelmaier
Media and Communications Coordinator, Vinnies WA
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