That’s the disturbing figure the Salvation Army has come up with after surveying thousands of people who approach the organisation for help. 

After setting aside rent or accommodation costs, $18 a day was all that was left over to cover food, transport and utilities, such as electricity bills. Obviously, in those circumstances hard choices had to be made – go hungry or be cold, for example. They’re certainly not decisions those of us who are reasonably well off would contemplate having to make.

Often, however, we’re quick to judge those who have fallen into the poverty trap as being unwilling to find work or hopeless at balancing the personal budget. But as the Salvation Army says, hard times can come upon any of us without warning, through injury, redundancy and marital separation.

For people on welfare, there is little scope to put away money for that “rainy day” when the lion’s share of meagre allowances is being chewed up by rent and food bills.

We agree with Lieutenant Dominic Wallis when he says it is important for people in difficult circumstances to put aside pride and seek help earlier rather than later, when problems can be compounded.

We also agree with the call to arms for the Red Shield Appeal, whether it’s offering a hand with the doorknock or keeping aside some cash for when the volunteers come knocking. 

And we salute the work of the Salvos, which might get a lot of publicity at this time of the year but is ongoing throughout. They are there not just helping the poor or the homeless but turning up at disasters – floods, fires and many things in between – to offer comfort and support. 

They do a terrific job in the community so anything we can do to help them will go a long way.