Logan charity organisations have become overwhelmed by the increasing number of families needing help and are urging the government to do something about it.
Director of 5FOLD in Yarrabilba, Melinda Hartley said Logan families are struggling more than ever.
“5FOLD has found in the past 12 months a rise in the need for financial assistance, whether it be need for food, fuel or bill assistance which include general bills, registration, rent, water, phone and electricity,” she said.
“Following Christmas, the need has included assistance with back-to-school needs like uniforms, books and packs.
“I have no doubt that as this year continues the needs will only increase as well as the frequency, as we see the increase of living cost.”
Ms Hartley said the rising cost of living paired with low income is causing more homelessness in Logan.
“When you look at Australia’s economy it can be misguided – yes, unemployment is down, but the cost of living is continuing to go through the roof,” she said.
“In Logan there is a housing crisis, the cost of rent is a battle zone for many, especially pensioners and many are having to sacrifice an already fragile budget to cover rent just to keep a roof over their heads.
“We have seen a lot of grandparents on the pension looking after their grandchildren full time trying to get by, its barely enough for themselves, as well as families living in tents, caravans and out of their cars trying to find affordable housing.”
Other support services including Defenders for Hope and YFS are also seeing a large increase in families at breaking point.
Last year, YFS Connect responded to more than 14,000 requests for assistance with more than 5000 presenting as homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“The biggest impact is the housing crisis, with people finding it harder to secure long-term affordable housing, especially larger families,” YFS client services manager Charles Bond said.
“More affordable housing available within the Logan area is crucial. We need a coordinated approach to housing across all sectors of government, business, and the community.”
But Ms Hartley says more radical changes need to be made to fix Logan’s problem.
“We need to drop the cost of living urgently, the potential disaster that is coming if we don’t, will see many more simply homeless,” she said.
“We need a change of bulk construction method to build affordable housing and we need to stop wasting so much fruit and vegetables simply because it’s not A grade, find a way to get it to the public instead of landfill.”
Programs manager for Defenders for Hope, Kathy Smith says it’s time government steps in.
“We ask the leaders of the country to see these problems and change Australia for the better,” she said.
Until that happens, “we ask the community to band together and help us through the rough times.”
If you are struggling, contact 5FOLD, YFS or Defenders for Hope who offer a range of programs and services. They’re also looking for donations to help support those in need.
