Echuca Neighbourhood House has seen this first-hand.
“The number of people coming to us directly or through phone calls and emails is increasing with people needing help for a huge variety of reasons,” manager Sarah Peake said.
The house holds a lunch every Monday for a gold coin donation and numbers have been climbing.
“We have around 20 people each week and we’re been noticing new faces coming, people doing it tough or needing to get out of the house and socialise,” Ms Peake said.
Leftovers from lunch are frozen into takeaway packs and to make these more accessible Sarah said they are seeking a fridge freezer to store the packs in out the front so they can be accessed after hours rather than waiting for staff to arrive.
They also have a “Food is Free” stand out the front where they leave non-perishable items for those who need them, and donations from the community are greatly appreciated.
At the moment they have around 50 volunteers assisting with a variety of jobs, but ms Peake said they still need more.
For golf or garden enthusiasts the Back Nine Golf Course need people to help with odd jobs like maintaining the greens, raking and moving the holes on the golf course, as Ms Peake said, “nothing too strenuous”.
Those interested in lending a hand can call Sarah at the house on 5482 6914.
Vinnies Echuca is facing a similar situation, according to shop manager Jody Grinter.
Ms Grinter said the op shop was experiencing a growing need in the community.
They use money from the sale of clothes and other items at the op shop to fund the work they do in the community providing a range of assistance including food, vouchers, furniture and back-to-school expenses to people in need.
“We have definitely heard from our local volunteers that there’s been a spike in demand with people asking for assistance, particularly with food and energy bills,” Ms Grinter said.
“The general cost of living is making it harder for families to budget and just live, really.
“We really need volunteers on Sundays as we are now open 10am-4pm and would appreciate people willing to give a few hours.
“You don’t need to be retired or have heaps of free time, anyone can apply and we are always looking for people who can spare a few hours to become part of the Vinnies family.”
“What I really love is making a difference within our community and helping raise funds to help those families doing it tough,” Ms Grinter said.
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