A Salvation Army volunteer says Border families aren't immune to poverty, with many living off as little as $16 a day after housing expenses.
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The Salvation Army's National Economic and Social Impact survey is a snapshot of 1600 clients who used the service.
Wodonga emergency relief officer Cheryle MacDonald said she interviewed several families living below the poverty line since the beginning of the year.
One lady came in and showed me her budget right down to the last five cents
- Cheryle MacDonald
“I've seen a lot of people fleeing from domestic violence and drug affected family members,” she said.
“The number of families we have had come through since the beginning of the year has been double what we saw last year.”
The report shows some regional families live off $16.96 a day – less than $120 per week – after housing and accommodation expenses.
Some clients on the Newstart Allowance are having to survive off just $15.29 a day.
Miss MacDonald said she advised clients to set up Centrepay, which takes bills out of their Centrelink payment before it goes into a bank account.
“I often wonder how some people can live on Newstart – one lady came in and showed me her budget right down to the last five cents.
“A lot of working class families are struggling to pay bills and school costs.
“It's incredibly difficult to watch.”
Rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were over represented in the survey which found 68 per cent of clients were suffering extreme housing stress.
About 86 per cent of respondents went without five or more basic items such as three meals a day, internet or medical treatment.
Domestic violence forced 37 per cent of women to move homes in the last 12 months and more than 60 per cent of children had to change schools as a result.
The Salvation Army Wodonga Captain Christine Abram said help was available.
“Family violence is an issue we all should be aware of and assist with, it’s the children, the future generations, who are living in fear and poverty,” she said.
“They are missing out on education or health checks, we should be able to share our resources. Sometimes a mother will give up her own health needs or her children’s health needs to get basic food on the table.”