Hobart’s Uniting Winter Appeal launches amid surging demand

The cost of living crunch is seeing more and more people turn to charities in search for assistance. Those behind the Uniting Winter Appeal share what it’s like on the front lines.

Julia Flockhart receiving items from Emergency Relief officer Jasdeep Kaur as part of an appeal for winter donations at Uniting Church Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

Uniting Tasmania Emergency Relief Officer Jasdeep Kaur has seen the real-life impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on Tasmanians, with one local diagnosed with a brain tumour needing food assistance to try to save for medical bills.

“I think more and more it is the everyday emergencies that are sending people over the edge,” she said.

“A parking fine, a broken water pipe or a big electricity bill is too much for families to try and manage, so people go without food or power to try and keep a roof over their heads.”

Ms Kaur manages emergency services at Hobart’s Uniting centre and has seen a huge demand in need for the food pantry and Food for Families boxes.

“We have a lot of people needing to access the pantry at the moment, and it is only growing over winter,” she said.

“Our community meal program NoBucks is also very busy at the moment, seeing around 60 to 70 people through just for the lunch service.”

Julia Flockhart receiving items from Emergency Relief officer Jasdeep Kaur as part of an appeal for winter donations at Uniting Church Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

Singles and the homeless largely visit the Hobart office, with Ms Kaur saying larger families are seen frequently at the Bridgewater centre.

“We have a large amount of refugee families coming to us for assistance as they struggle to pay for their bills on top of the high costs of visa fees,” she said.

Uniting Tasmania and Victoria CEO Bronwyn Pike said that Tasmanian families have some of the highest levels of disadvantage in Australia, with Uniting looking for support from the community as part of its Share the Warmth winter appeal.

“According to the Australian Council of Social Service, more than 120,000 Tasmanians live below the poverty line,” she said.

“More people are now living in crisis – it’s happening all around us – and we need your help to continue our vital work.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference.”

To donate to the Uniting winter appeal, head to Uniting’s website.

Originally published as Hobart’s Uniting Winter Appeal launches amid surging demand