Concern for a growing underclass

by Rev. Bill Crews 03 May 2021
I have to admit I’m worried. My Foundation is experiencing a surge in demand for our food services. Like a canary in a coal mine, this points to a looming social crisis.

Modelling from The Australia Institute indicates 155,000 more Australians may find themselves living in poverty this year. Many of whom, through no fault of their own, are victims of the economic dislocation caused by COVID-19. 

Indeed, since government support was rolled back to near pre-pandemic levels these people are coming to terms with surviving on about $44 a day.

These Australians can’t afford to heat their home in winter, or even pay for medication. Putting food on the table is a daily struggle, so they turn to us.

As a matter of fact, we are distributing more emergency food parcels than any other time and our food vans are serving more hot meals than ever before.

This year the gap between the have’s and have-nots appears not only to be growing, but more people are being added to the list of have-nots.

The good news is that your support enables us to help. Indeed, without the kindness of people just like you a lot of Sydneysiders would face a cold and hungry winter.