Mid West charities experiencing surge in demand due to cost of living crisis, fears people may miss out

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Mid West charities experiencing surge in demand due to cost of living crisis, fears people may miss out

Charities across the Mid West are seeing increased demand in 2024, with one fearing more instances of people missing out may occur if economic conditions don’t change.

It was reported earlier this week Regional Alliance West had turned away 143 people so far this year because of increased demand for its free services.

Mission Australia offers a range of services to help combat homelessness nationwide, and runs a branch in the Mid West.

Area manager Milton Milloy said his branch had seen an increase in people asking for the service and had been able to cope with demand.

However, he said conditions could change in the future.

“We’ve been able to manage demand due to a lot of donations from some large supermarkets and others,” Mr Milloy said.

“We’ve managed to keep up at this stage, but if there’s another kick moving forward as the weather warms up, then that may change again.”

Mr Milloy said current economic conditions meant more people were seeking the service than before.

“Rentals aren’t looking like going down, cost of living is not looking like it’s going down,” he said.

“It wouldn’t take much of a change in the market for things to get worse pretty quickly.”

Mr Milloy said people who had never accessed the service before had walked in, and said some felt “embarrassed” to use the service.

He said charities like Mission Australia were there to support people and help them when they need it.

Foodbank WA operates a branch in Geraldton, providing food and grocery assistance to people who need it.

Camera IconFoodbank CEO Kate O’Hara poses with staff Ian de Nazareth and Arnya Tait last year. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West ***********

According to the organisation, demand has increased 13 per cent in the year since July 2023.

Chief executive Kate O’Hara said across the board, more people were accessing the service.

“As the cost of living crisis worsens, we are certainly seeing more people coming through our doors regionally and also in Perth,” she said.

“As the gap between affordable and essential grows . . . the costs of utilities, fuel and food are significantly higher in the regions, exacerbating the problem of balancing a budget.

“We are seeing a steep increase in younger people coming to Foodbank. More specifically, it’s younger families with dual incomes who are presenting for the first time in a long time, just to keep their homes.”

Ms O’Hara said Foodbank had had to reach out to more donors and food distributors to meet demand, and had implemented a free fruit and vegetable model to assist with the cost of living.

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