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More than half of Australians are sacrificing food and medication to stay housed this winter, as new Vinnies research reveals the deepening cost-of-living crisis gripping Victorian households.

• More than half of Aussie households forced to sacrifice medication and food to keep roof over their heads
• Gen X (45-60yrs) hardest hit: 60% cutting back on essentials to pay for housing
• Demand for fuel vouchers and food parcels increasing month on month

Aussies Choosing Between Medication and Rent as Cost-of-Living Bites

New research confirms more than half (55%) of Aussie households are cutting back on essentials such as medication, groceries and bills just to keep a roof over their head. The concerning stats released by St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria as they launch their annual Winter Appeal further confirm the increased depth of financial pressure now facing households that were already struggling to get by.

As winter approaches, Vinnies is calling on people across the state to support their Appeal by donating as the charity struggles to keep up with surging demand for services and support.

Gen X Hardest Hit as Housing Costs Squeeze Working Australians

The YouGov survey commissioned by the Society found Gen X Australians (aged 45–60) are among the hardest hit: 40 per cent say they have no emergency savings buffer, and 60 per cent have cut back on essentials to keep up with housing costs. These are not people on the margins — they are working Australians, squeezed from every direction.

In addition to this sobering new research, Vinnies’ emergency welfare call centre is seeing increased demand for fuel vouchers and food parcels since the war in Iran began — requests for these have increased 44% and 26% respectfully since February.

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Group CEO, Charlie Spendlove, warned the numbers reveal a community under sustained, worsening pressure.

“Winter is always one of the toughest periods for the people we support, but ongoing cost-of-living pressures, rising fuel prices and further rate hikes are pushing more Victorians to the brink,” Ms Spendlove said.

“We are seeing more people returning for help, with repeat callers to our emergency assistance call centre increasing by nearly 19 per cent from March to April having already jumped by 12% the month before.

“These are people trapped in a cycle, not just going through a rough patch. Once you call us twice, you are more likely to call a third time. That is why prevention matters, and why donations to this appeal are so critical right now.

“The person sleeping rough tonight is not a statistic — they are someone’s neighbour, father, sister, or colleague. This winter, Victorians have the power to change that. Please donate,” Ms Spendlove said.

How Vinnies Is Helping — And How You Can Too

Funds raised through the Vinnies Winter Appeal will help the Society provide practical support to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poverty and rising cost-of-living pressures, including assistance with food, bills and other essentials needed for a decent life.

Last financial year, the Society provided more than $18.3 million in direct assistance across Victoria, including more than 686,000 meals through Vinnies Soup Vans and over 90,000 home visits, responding to growing demand from households under housing and financial pressure.

The Society is one of Victoria’s largest community-based organisations, with more than 11,000 members and volunteers and 650 staff embedded in local communities across the state. Through VincentCare Victoria and VincentCare Community Housing, the Society provides a continuum of care – from advocacy and prevention through to safe, supported housing.

Donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal can be made at donate.vinnies.org.au/winter-appeal or by calling 13 18 12 or at Vinnies Shops. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

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Image courtesy of Adobe.