Charities brace for influx on back of economic downturn
Posted
Queensland welfare groups expect the economic downturn will cause a rise in the number of people seeking help.
Uniting Care Queensland CEO Anne Cross raised the issue at the launch of anti-poverty week in Brisbane today.
She says job losses will put more pressure on middle-income families struggling to make mortgage payments.
"In a sense a lot of people have been under housing stress for a long time now so with the increase in the cost of housing that makes it difficult for low income earners who actually have a mortgage and of course its very difficult for people who are renting," she said.
Mission Australia says one in seven people who seek their help can not afford even one substantial meal a day.
Tony Stevenson from Mission Australia says more and more people are seeking help.
"The number of people that have sought financial counselling for example has increased dramatically so yes people don't like to ask for help but in many situations they don't have a choice and therefore there's a lot of pressure on organisations like ours to respond to those increasing needs," she said.
