Vinnies' Cry For Help

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday August 11, 2007

By MICHELLE HOCTOR

A LARGE Illawarra charity is at crisis point, with a cold winter and the high cost of accommodation forcing many people to seek assistance.

St Vincent de Paul Society will hold a doorknock appeal from August 18-26. Food, warm clothing and blankets are also being sought to replenish supplies.

Wollongong diocesan development co-ordinator Margaret Biggs described the crisis as "heartbreaking", with this winter presenting a real challenge.

Mrs Biggs said in the past financial year the charity had spent $783,000 helping 32,000 people, with a 17 per cent increase on the previous year's figures in Wollongong alone.

"The challenge we see as difficult is people from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven suffering from the high cost of accommodation, especially private rental," Mrs Biggs said.

"We are also concerned about the number of people presenting with utility bills, particularly high electricity bills related to heating, which is proving a real burden on local families.

"The days have been fine but the nights have been very cold. The Wollongong centre has spent $2500 on buying blankets for those who cannot afford heating."

Diocesan president Ivor Davies said maintaining the existing level of assistance was not an easy task for a charity such as St Vincent de Paul, especially as the rate of homelessness was increasing.

"This is a problem we would like to be able to address better. Our homeless facilities are always stretched with many people turned away overnight," he said.

"It is a great concern to know there are so many people sleeping rough in the streets of Wollongong and Nowra.

"With more funds available to us, we would be in a position to expand our services."

Mrs Biggs said doorknockers and volunteers to work in the region's Vinnies' centres were needed. To assist, contact 4276 4224.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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