Soaring living costs have people turning to HopeStreet

Rising cost-of-living pressures are forcing an increasing number of individuals and families to turn to BaptistCare’s HopeStreet community services to help them get by.

Frontline team members from many of BaptistCare’s HopeStreet locations throughout NSW have reported a significant increase in demand in recent weeks, as more locals require help through food relief, discounted groceries, counselling and other services.

BaptistCare HopeStreet provides a range of services and support to vulnerable people and families living with disadvantage and distress, while also offering care, hope and a sense of community.

More people are relying on discounted groceries to make ends meet

Lucy, Community Development Pathways Leader at BaptistCare HopeStreet Hunter, said that they have experienced an influx of people seeking help over the last few weeks, particularly as rapidly rising fuel prices and higher rents squeeze family budgets.

“In March, we saw a 35 per cent increase in food sales at Wallsend compared with the previous month, while we had an 8 per cent rise in food sales at Windale,” Lucy said.

“Critically, we’ve also seen a significant rise in the number of people reaching out for additional food support, with a 20 per cent increase at Windale alone.”

Lucy said families are also being more strategic about the types of food they buy and use for meals, utilising veggies for batch-cooked meals like soups and relying on pantry staples like rice and pasta.

“It’s a clear sign that increasing numbers of people from across the Hunter region are doing it tough right now,” said Lucy.

Transport assistance doubles as more families reach out for help

It is a similar situation at BaptistCare’s HopeStreet Dubbo, which has reported a significant increase in the number of locals needing food and fuel relief.

“In March, we saw the request for transport assistance from members of the Dubbo community more than double,” according to Manager, Kristine Holland.

“It’s a particular issue out here in the West, where transport options aren’t as readily available and where the ability for people to get to services and health appointments can be a lot more challenging.

“We are particularly seeing an increase in families who’ve never before relied on support services coming to us who are also at risk of homelessness because of rental increases and a lack of affordable housing.”

Uncertain times are raising people’s anxieties

BaptistCare HopeStreet Campbelltown’s Hub Leader, Belinda Harris, said they have observed more people over the last month experiencing higher levels of anxiety and uncertainty. 

Campbelltown’s site provides a range of services and assistance to local people and families in a safe and confidential space, including counselling, relationship support programs and case work.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of people who are stressed and seeking counselling, mental health services, and case work support. We’ve also experienced an increase in people requiring practical support, like transport assistance,” Belinda said.

“We are seeing a lot of families who might already be struggling but don’t know what to do or how to navigate services.

“Holidays can exacerbate challenges like financial stress, food and housing insecurity. As we head into the winter months, we also see a spike in people reaching out for help and support.”