Food, bills, transport and other living costs all have to be covered – for just $17. 

The figure is derived from the Salvation Army’s 2018 Economic and Social Impact Survey (ESIS), which assessed 1,267 people who call on Salvo’s services. The research uncovered damming statistics about those who are living a day-to-day battle. 

From income and employment, to living costs, housing stress, food insecurity and reduced social interaction, a range hardship themes were evident.

In the NSW/ACT survey sample, 90 per cent of respondents were living under the poverty line, which for a single adult in Australia is $426.30 a week before housing costs.

Further, 84 per cent were experiencing extreme housing stress, paying more than half of their income on residential costs, while 73 per cent could not raise $500 in a week in case of an emergency.

“I’ve met person after person, who are better at budgeting than I am,” Salvation Army Hunter area officer Mark Everitt said. 

“But it just takes a couple of things to knock them off that budget, like the puncture of a tyre, and put them in a position where they need to ask for help.” 

Social disconnection is a distinctive issue, with 46 per cent of respondents reporting they had limited social connections and felt isolated most of the time, while in another question, 59 per cent indicated they were not able to seek support from friends and family in a time of crisis.  

“These people are expected to live way below the poverty line,” Mr Everitt said. “For a very advanced country not to be seeing an improvement over a number of years – it’s a scary thought.”

Hamilton’s Newcastle Community Worship Centre captain Stephen Oliver said immediate services are available, but it’s helping people get on top in the long run that’s challenging. 

“The harsh reality is you can only do that if you’ve got an income,” he said. “And the report tells us that a lot of people don’t have enough left to help them get ahead.”

Salvation Army major Paul Moulds says the research confirms the federal budget failed Australians who are doing it tough, citing Newstart allowance not rising with inflation for the past 24 years. 

“It is simply inhumane that corporations and wealthy households are handed a tax cut, while the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in this country continue to be ignored,” he said.

“It is widely acknowledged it will take a minimum increase of $75 a week just to ensure people can live on the poverty line – let alone above it.”

The release of the survey report coincides with the Salvo’s Red Shield Appeal, the major fundraising campaign of the charity. 

“The Red Shield Appeal this weekend is a very practical way that people can assist us to assist other people,” Mr Oliver said. 

“If people are wanting to participate and get involved in volunteering, we’d love to hear from them and meet them.” 

The Salvation Army advises anyone who is looking to become involved in their services to contact their nearest Salvation Army centre.