Inflation has hit 7.3 percent in the June quarter, the highest increase since 1990.

What people need and who's seeking help is changing.

There's an increase in demand for food parcel services. There's been an "influx" in working class people looking for help to supplement their budgets. People are scared they'll lose their homes.

The new study, by not-for-profit Orange Sky and conducted by YouGov, came up with some grim statistics. It surveyed 1001 over 18-year olds between 21 and 27 June 2022. It found over the 12 months before the survey:

Sixty-two percent struggled financially to make ends meet at least once. Twenty-seven percent struggle at least once a month.

Sixteen percent struggle to make ends meet at least once a week.

Fourteen percent couldn't pay rent or bills and borrowed money or took out a loan.

Twelve percent missed a meal due to a lack of funds.

Four percent slept rough. Seven percent couch-surfed at friends' homes.

Forty-four percent had to change their living circumstances because of rising living costs.

Forty-four percent missed social occasions due to financial struggles.

Fifty-four percent reported increased nervousness about their financial security.

Fifteen percent had experienced homelessness before.

The survey used Stats NZ's definition for "homelessness". This includes living in transient or overcrowded housing, on a friend's couch or living on the street for a period of time.

Why - and what to do

Inflation is driven largely by rising rents and construction costs for new homes and commercial buildings, the study notes.

Petrol prices increased 32 per cent in the year to the June 2022 quarter, the largest annual increase since the June 1985 quarter.

The Government Budget 2022 sought ways to mitigate the inflationary effects.

People earning under $70,000 in the past year will receive $350 over three months to help. Petrol taxes will continue to be cut by 25c per litre until the start of February 2023.

One charity says many workers can't feed their families. Currently, 130-150 food parcels are distributed each day - up from 70-80 a day last year.

"Everything's for free. We do food parcels, cooked meals if somebody comes in and they're hungry." About 50-60 people come into the store every day.

Between rent, water rates, power, internet and the increasing price of petrol to go to work "... it's absolutely killing people.

"For them to go to work, something has to give and unfortunately it's the kai that (they) are giving (up)."

The charity is presently handing out around 10 blankets a day to families who are cold or can't afford to pay for heating.

Orange Sky offers a free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness.

A non-judgemental listening ear is a necessary and effective part of the service, besides clean clothes, showers and blankets, Orange Sky says.

The Sudsy Challenge

Orange Sky's 2022 Sudsy Challenge is challenging everyone to wear the same clothes for three consecutive days. The aim is to spark meaningful conversations and reduce stigmas about homelessness:

Source

• NZ Herald

It is a second service for the city which accounts for nearly half the country's homeless population.

Orange Sky's NZ Operations Manager Eddie Uini says many New Zealanders are continuing to face hard times in order to endure the global pandemic's impact.

"The last 12 months has really brought Aotearoa's homelessness to the forefront and we have witnessed a strong demand from people, who we term as ‘friends', needing our help, especially here in Auckland," Uini says.

"We know the past year has been particularly challenging as more people struggle to pay for basics like food and rent. A survey we conducted recently with YouGov found that in the past 12 months one in five Kiwis said they struggle to make ends meet each and every week."

According to 2018 Census data, over 41,000 Kiwis are currently experiencing homelessness. Concerningly, 43.9 percent of those reside in Auckland alone. They include people without shelter and people living in temporary accommodation, shared accommodation and uninhabitable housing.

Orange Sky's website explains it's a not-for-profit organisation providing people experiencing homelessness with access to free laundry services, warm showers and genuine, non-judgmental conversation, across New Zealand.

The not-for-profit exists on donations from generous Kiwis and funding from corporate sponsors and the third iconic, bright orange, van is fitted with two washing machines, two dryers and a shower so "friends" can launder their clothes and enjoy a safe, warm shower.

There are currently two vans operating in Aotearoa - Hugo in Auckland and Hudson in Wellington. The new van, which has yet to be named, is joining Hugo this month.

These are vans like no other, with laundry and shower facilities specifically configured inside.

While their laundry is being done, the friends sit on Orange Sky's trademark orange chairs where they can connect through genuine, non-judgemental conversation, chatting to volunteers who give their time to engage in conversation.

Uini says the new facilities (supported by Simplicity Charitable Trust) will enable Orange Sky to increase its availability in the region from 17 shifts per week to 25.

"The last 12 months has really brought Aotearoa's homelessness to the forefront and we have witnessed a strong demand from people, who we term as ‘friends', needing our help, especially here in Auckland," Uini says.

Source

• Scoop
• Orange Sky
• NZ Herald
• Image: Orange Sky New Zealand