More families needing the Sallies’ help
Almost three-quarters of the people needing the Salvation Army’s help in Wellington each week are first-timers.
The alarming new statistic has been released in the leadup to the organisation’s annual street appeal, which starts on Monday.
Salvation Army spokeswoman Major Christina Tyson said increased living costs meant people were no longer able to save.
‘‘People, in general, don’t have a buffer any more.’’
This meant unexpected, one-off payments, such as a doctor’s appointment, could push people over the edge, she said.
The head of welfare services at the Salvation Army, Major Pam Waugh, said poverty was a national issue. ‘‘It’s fast becoming a national crisis.’’
Of the main centres, Wellington and Christchurch had the largest number of first-timers coming through their doors each week.
In Wellington, this was an average of 32 new families each week.
Nationally, 60 per cent of people the Salvation Army helped each week were new to the service.
Another Wellington charity, the Free Store, said it wasn’t serving more people but the demographic of its customers had changed.
Founder Benjamin Johnson said the Free Store used to help mostly single people but: ‘‘In our context, we have seen an increase in the numbers of families with children.’’
The Free Store, which provides food donated by local cafes, was keeping up with demand, he said.
In its annual State Of The Nation report – released in February – the Salvation Army reported a 13 per cent rise in people needing food parcels nationwide, – the largest boost in people needing food parcels since the global financial crisis.
The organisation provides a variety of services including food parcels and transitional housing. Its annual Red Shield street appeal will run from Monday till May 6.