Welfare ‘feels growth pains’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Population growth across the region has prompted another surge in families in financial and housing crisis, according to welfare agencies.
Salvation Army family support manager Wendy Katsanbiris said she noted an influx of requests for financial and housing assistance.
“Waiting lists are growing,” Ms Kasanbiris said.
“We have 20 to 30 people who miss out on appointments daily.
“Geelong is a victim of its own success, in a way. The growth in Geelong means properties once affordable to low-income families are now out of reach.
“There is a misconception that if people move to Geelong they will find cheap accommodation. One family just turned up after couple of days’ bus trip and couldn’t find accommodation and came in to see us for help.
“We’ve heard of people having to move to regional areas like Mildura to afford housing.”
Ms Kasanbiris said the Salvos had secured funding from Federal Government to increase assistance appointments by 20 per cent.
“Those have filled immediately but that funding ends in July, so our resources will be cut back then.”
Barwon Community Legal Service Manager Nick Hudson said “any number of people” were without adequate accommodation in Geelong.
“In fact, one of our lawyers got kicked out of his rental property this week, so the housing crunch has impacted on one of our own staff,” Mr Hudson said.
“We’re also fielding enquiries on financial counselling and refer people to Diversitat, which is shouldering the burden for most of Geelong.
“It’s the people who need it the most who are the least likely to find housing and assistance they need.”
Geelong Food Relief manager Wendy Greaves said she had noticed a “significant increase” in families presenting food vouchers in the past two weeks.
“This time of year is tight for families anyway, so it might be part of the annual cycle,” Mrs Greaves said.
“Parents have school costs to pay and Easter and school holidays add an extra burden.
“When you combine higher energy bills, rising petrol, and higher food bills, it’s not surprising.”