JUST two months ago, life was rosy for a Maitland family of five.
Out of the blue, a work injury sparked a cascade effect and their lives started to unravel.
After running a business successfully for five years, the family was forced to close its doors thanks to a combination of consistently bad weather, staffing issues and increasing overheads.
The second earner, a qualified nurse, had left her job because they could no longer afford day care fees.
They could not get an appointment with their regular GP, who bulk-bills, to get a consult ahead of much-needed surgery.
After receiving a third termination letter from their private rental property managers, because they didn't have $720 per week for rent, and with no family to lean on, they went searching for help.
Crisis mode
"We had no idea of where to go or anything," the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Newcastle Herald.
"And then I reached out to Vinnies and they actually got to me that afternoon."
As the cost of living-crisis continues, thousands are experiencing acute poverty, resulting in a surge of individuals and families seeking emergency relief as a last resort, according to report by the McKell Institute, commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and launched today (August 7) by Minister Amanda Rishworth.
Last financial year Vinnies provided over $1.8 million worth of assistance in the Newcastle/Maitland region in the form of food, utility bills, clothing, education support, or connection to services.
More than 900 people in NSW who received emergency relief from Vinnies, either direct financial assistance, food, clothing or housing assistance, were surveyed about the impact of support.
Four out of five of those surveyed said severe issues such as eviction or hunger were averted with support.
Nearly half (44.4 per cent) needed help two to five times, and almost half (46.6 per cent) had more than five interactions, emphasising the need for ongoing support for those navigating complex situations, the report says.
'Wrap-around' services
Vinnies is one of the few remaining charities who can offer help immediately, starting with a home visit.
That was was the case for the Maitland family, who received a home visit and immediate assistance - food and fuel vouchers, and help to arrange a doctor's appointment which they also paid for.
"They're the only people that have actually reached out, without them and our property managers they are the only ones that have helped us," the Maitland woman said.
"We've never been like this before. I was actually scared. Obviously we're not the only ones in the boat but it's new to us. We wouldn't have a doctors appointment but for them, to organise surgery, because they are going to pay for it, and no food and fuel to survive."
Struggling communities
Their case is not an isolated one.
That's the reality of what's going on in our communities, says Newcastle-based Clare Van Doorn, Vinnies Regional Director, Operations North East.
The data in the McKell Institute report did not contain any surprises, but confirmed what Vinnies knew anecdotally, particularly the value of 'wrap-around services', she said.
"When you're looking at the wrap-around services that we offer, and that's been a philosophy of ours for quite a time, it's an effective way to maximise the support we put in," Ms Van Doorn said.
"By putting that safety net around them early on, that's what gives us some successful outcomes for them."
Early intervention meets people's immediate needs but also plays a crucial role in stabilising households and preventing the escalation of crises, the report says.
That can alleviate immediate pressures but also foster long-term resilience, enabling people to navigate challenges more effectively, the report says.
"When you're in crisis mode, and like that case study, you're not expecting it, and you're wondering how to manage x, y, and z, there's a ripple effect, you start robbing Peter to pay Paul and you get to the point where you haven't got anything else, no funds left in your kitty to get out of that cycle," Ms Van Doorn said.
"I am really proud that we can unpack what the circumstances are and what is going on in people's worlds so that we can help them take the next steps forward and empower them to take those steps.
"If we can get in there sooner rather than later, walking a bit on the journey with them, that's what makes a big difference that's what we can do and provide."
McKell Institute CEO Edward Cavanough said the report reveals how critical financial and material support services are for those experiencing poverty.
"The combined phenomena of housing unaffordability, precarious work and modest wages growth, as well as the rising cost of essential household items are pushing more households to the brink," Mr Cavanough said.
