Rise in calls but income source has disappeared for St. Vincent de Paul
The Wexford St. Vincent de Paul Society has seen a sharp rise in calls for assistance since the start of the coronavirus crisis but at the same time, its income sources have disappeared due to HSE public health restrictions.
The Society’s main source of financial support is Vincent’s charity shop in Selskar which usually generates enough money to keep the operation going throughout the year along with twice-yearly church gate collections at Christmas and in June.
But the shop has been closed for the past few weeks due to Covid-19 restrictions and the prospect of holding a church gate collection in June, looks doubtful.
‘We’re seeing a rise in calls and we’re worried about is what’s coming down the line with people who are unemployed and not receiving HAP support, not being able to pay their rent’, said Area President Annette Beckett.
‘If you’re renting a house for €800 a month, how are you going to pay it if you’re out of work and receiving the Covid-19 unemployment payment of €350 a week and you’re landlord is relying on the rent if they have a mortgage’.
Annette said the Society will be able to cope with the increased demand on its service for a while but will have to concentrate on providing the basics such as food and fuel and helping with utility bills. She welcomed a Government decision to extend the Fuel Allowance for another four weeks.
Food, closely followed by fuel, is top of the list of requests for assistance.
‘What everyone on the phone is telling us is that their children are home from school and they can’t keep food in the place, they are eating them out of house and home. Everyone, without exception, is saying that’, said Annette.
Those contacting the charity for help are a mixture of people known to the service and those who have not needed assistance from it before and are waiting for Covid-19 payments.
The increase comes as the Society finds itself unable to raise additional money. ‘ The charity shop keeps the Wexford area going for the year and we also have the two church gate collections. But our income is gone now’, said Annette.
The charity shop is currently not accepting donations. Many of the staff are Fás employees and their work has been suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
‘I’d say the church gate collection in June is gone too. I wouldn’t say things will be back to normal by then. The people who give to us are probably now the people who will need us to give back to them’.
‘We’re operating on our reserves at the moment. I don’t know how long it will last. I’m afraid to ask.’
‘You don’t want to be making appeals at the moment because a lot of people are in difficulties’, said Annette.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a member of the Covid-19 Community Response Forum established by Wexford County Council.
If a person contacts the helpline asking for food or fuel, the charity will be notified and will respond to the call and many people also telephone the Society directly.
Volunteers will make contactless deliveries but won’t engage in faceto-face visits, as would have happened previously. Committee meetings are also not being held.