This Christmas across regional NSW and the ACT, thousands of families are facing a reality they never imagined, choosing between paying rent and putting food on the table. Rising living costs, housing stress, and unexpected crises have pushed even working families to the brink. For some, the festive season is not a time of joy but a struggle to survive.
This is where Anglicare steps in. Every day, we meet people who, despite their best efforts, simply cannot keep up with cost-of-living pressures. They are grandparents raising grandchildren, single parents working multiple jobs, and essential workers who care for others yet cannot afford a safe home themselves.
Your support is more than generosity, it’s a lifeline. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind during what is meant to be a season of joy.
Critical Funding Gap: Why Your Support Matters
The demand for community support has reached unprecedented levels, driving a surge in funding requests to government agencies. Unfortunately, available resources fall far short of what is needed. As a result, vital services including Anglicare must now rely heavily on private fundraising to maintain essential programs.
The Numbers Tell the Story
- 15,500 individuals received emergency relief from Anglicare last year across regional NSW and the ACT.
- More than 40,000 essential items were distributed to families in crisis.
- Demand continues to grow at a rate that outpaces government allocations.
As Christmas approaches, our Emergency Relief teams face their busiest time of the year. Last December we saw a 48 percent increase in the number of people assisted compared to November. Demand surges, driven by the temporary closure of essential services, heightened family stress, and the financial strain of holiday expenses.
The Broader Context
- Less than 2 percent of rental properties are affordable for aged care workers according to Anglicare Australia’s Essential Workers Report.
- Essential workers who care for our most vulnerable are disproportionately impacted by housing stress and cost of living pressures.
- 2.6 percent of rental properties are affordable for a single parent on the full-time minimum wage.
Behind these figures are real people—people like Melissa*, a full-time aged care worker and single mother of two. Despite working extra shifts, unexpected expenses and elevated living costs pushed her to the brink of homelessness. Anglicare stepped in with immediate food relief, financial counselling, and ongoing support, helping Melissa stabilise her finances and keep her family housed.
Investment in Our Community
Melissa’s story is not unique. Each dollar you contribute helps us:
- Deliver emergency relief to families in crisis.
- Provide financial counselling to break cycles of debt.
- Offer dignity and connection through community hubs.
Your support is more than charity. It is a strategic investment in social stability. Every donation helps prevent homelessness, reduce financial distress, and strengthen communities—driving a more sustainable economy.
This Christmas, the need is urgent. Families like Melissa’s depend on Anglicare for essentials, connection, and hope. We invite you to partner with us to ensure these services continue.
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