Red Shield Appeal launched in the South West

Perhaps you were sitting at home with a loved one in front of a warm fire with a tasty snack listening to the rain hitting the window while your favourite movie was playing?

Your biggest fear was likely a loss of power which would have sent you in search of candles and a good book. 

But for those on the street, the wild weather brings with it a completely different set of thoughts and challenges. 

There were many wondering where their next meal was coming from and where they could sleep away from the cold wind and the driving rain. No one should have to live like this. 

So this weekend if a Salvation Army volunteer fundraising for the Red Shield Appeal knocks on your door, be thankful you have a door to knock on. 

Today the Salvation Army releases their fifth National Economic and Social Impact Survey which quizzed 1632 Salvation Army clients across the nation. 

It found that children are hugely impacted, moving house multiple times a year, moving schools and missing out on medications and dental checks due to extreme poverty.

It’s not just those living on the street who are struggling, with some single parent families living off less than $16 a day after accommodation expenses.

Bunbury Salvation Army Lieutenant Harriet Farquhar told the Mail the group provided crisis assistance to 944 people from 280 households between February and April this year, including 175 households seeking the Salvos’ assistance for the first time. 

There were also 196 requests for assistance that could not be fulfilled on the day they were made. 

“In recent years we have had more people coming for help and when they get to us they have multiple areas they need assistance with,” Lieutenant Farquhar said. 

The latest economic and social impact survey conducted by the Salvation Army has highlighted a growing number of Australians are struggling to make ends meet. 

Of the 1632 Salvation Army clients surveyed, 68 per cent are suffering extreme housing stress, defined as spending more than 60 per cent of income on housing. 

The report found 86 per cent of clients and 58 per cent of households with children, reported severe deprivation and now go without five or more basic items. 

It also noted people from regional towns and rural areas are over-represented. 

The Salvation Army's public relations secretary Major Paul Hateley said the report’s findings paint a bleak picture of what real life is like for Australians on the breadline.

“The results of this extensive survey are utterly shameful. It shows the real level of struggle taking place in our so-called 'lucky country’,” he said. 

“Now, more than ever, it's time for Australia to reclaim our great Aussie spirit – of neighbours who care for their neighbours. 

“We need the support of Australians through the Red Shield Appeal in order to open up more beds for families in need and to implement early intervention and innovating social enterprise schemes so that people in poverty can break the cycle.”

Major Hateley said it is very hard to change your circumstances when you’re trying to survive on $15 a day after your accommodation is paid for. 

“A donation to The Salvation Army will help us walk alongside families and individuals for the long haul. Your donation will lead to lasting change,” he said. 

Lieutenant Farquhar said while the amount donated in Bunbury in the past few years has decreased as tough economic times hit the state, the people in this community have always shown themselves to be generous with their support.

“Each year many people do their bit to help us help those in the community who are vulnerable and the Red Shield Appeal is our opportunity to rally that support once again,” she said. 

“We have around 50 volunteers helping us over the next fortnight with most collecting donations at shopping centres.”

The Salvation Army also accept food and clothing donations.

“Sometimes it is the little things that make the most difference such as the luxury of coffee and tea, warm socks and a can opener,” she said.