THE gloomy statistics in this year’s Economic and Social Impact Survey held no surprises for Salvation Army Lieutenant Dominic Wallis.
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Salvation Army found the 2406 people in its annual survey had only $18 per day to live on.
In the two-and-a-half years he has been in the role there has been a constant need for help in the Shoalhaven.
This year the annual survey painted an alarming picture of what is happening to many marginalised Australians.
The Salvation Army’s 2015 Economic and Social Impact Survey (ESIS) surveyed visitors to 262 of its help centres across the nation.
More than half of the respondents said their financial situation was worse than last year. Most people surveyed were aged between 25 and 59 years.
Mr Wallis said he was seeing people who needed help from all walks of life.
“There is no standard client anymore. Different things impact the budgets of everyone and Shoalhaven’s jobless figures don’t help,” he said.
“Someone might have saved up for their car rego, but it might also need tyres and other mechanical work. This can throw their budget out.
“Others might have a job and be paying off a mortgage until an injury stops them working and they are unable to pay their loan.
“Something tips the balance and it can take months or longer to get back on track.”
He pointed out the cultural issue of people being too proud to put their hand up for help.
“Often people try to survive on their own for as long as they can. They’re too proud to seek help.
“This means financially they are often below where they should be by the time they come to us for assistance.
“If you are struggling and think you are getting into trouble financially just ask us or one of the other services if we can help.”
Mr Wallis said there were a number of support services in the Nowra region.
However, he said there was always more need than there was help.
The Salvation Army study has been released in the lead-up to the annual Red Shield Appeal – the national doorknock is this weekend.
This year’s national fundraising goal for the Red Shield Appeal doorknock is $9.5 million.
To volunteer or donate to the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock phone 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer.
Donations can also be made in person at any Westpac bank or by posting a cheque to Reply Paid 87088 Silverwater NSW 2128.
