Salvation Army found the 2406 people in its annual survey had only $18 per day to live on.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year the annual survey painted an alarming picture of what is happening to many marginalised Australians.
The 2015 Economic and Social Impact Survey (ESIS) reveals what The Salvation Army says is clearly “a bleak picture of entrenched and persistent poverty for a significant proportion of people who access Salvation Army services”.
The organisation surveyed visitors to 262 Salvation Army centres across the nation.
The majority of children in the survey experienced multiple levels of deprivation, with 60 per cent of them missing at least five items considered normal and necessary for a child in an economically advanced country.
More than half of the respondents said their financial situation was worse than last year. Most people surveyed were aged between 25-59 years.
The major study has been released in the run 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.
Statistics show that in a typical week The Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals for hungry people, 2,000 beds for homeless people, distributes up to 8,000 food vouchers, provides refuge to 500 victims of abuse and much more.
People wanting to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock can call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer.
People may also wish to donate to the Red Shield Appeal by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online at salvos.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch or by posting a cheque to Reply Paid 87088 SILVERWATER NSW 2128.