AS it launches its 2014 Winter Appeal, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW says, in a worrying trend, assistance provided over the winter months in 2013 showed that Vinnies helped more people who were in private rental properties than government housing.
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Figures show that 15,600 people in private rentals were assisted between May and July 2013, an increase of 80 per cent on figures for the same period in 2012.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society is really concerned that a lack of affordable housing and rentals is putting extreme pressure on people already struggling to make ends meet, pushing them further into poverty,” St Vincent de Paul Society NSW chief executive officer Michael Perusco said.
The St Vincent de Paul Society has urged people to dig deep and donate to its Winter Appeal, saying the reasons to help someone out were all around us in the many cities, towns, neighbourhoods and streets, where people are struggling to keep their heads above water.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW president Ray Reynolds said the generosity of ordinary Australians would make a real difference to the lives of many people who will face a very bleak winter.
“Time and time again, the kind-hearted deeds of our supporters shine through, providing comfort and solace to the people in our community who need it most. The public’s donations tell people doing it tough that they matter and haven’t been forgotten,” Mr Reynolds said.
To make a generous donation visit vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.