|PIC1|Wesley Mission staff are already seeing the effects of the crisis: 448 families have come to Wesley Mission seeking emergency relief, food and financial assistance in the past three months - a 25 per cent increase on the previous period.
Unemployment levels are also predicted to rise. Household debt is already at record levels, and many families have borrowed to their capacity, leaving them dangerously exposed. A job loss, or even an injury or serious illness, could be a disaster for those families in the coming months.
The CEO of Wesley Mission the Rev Keith Garner said that while many people are talking about the global economic crisis there was real concern for the thousands of families in Sydney and NSW who are being directly affected.
"We urgently need public support to care for the people who have found themselves in dire circumstances," he said.
Mr Garner said that the situation would worsen post-Christmas as credit cards bills become due, jobs are cut and casual and part-time employment declines.
"Parents feel immense pressure to give their children Christmas presents they cannot afford, and as a result they spend up big on their credit cards," he said. "Soon enough the bills come in and they are left struggling to pay the mortgage or rent, or put food on the table."
Wesley Mission helped more than 200,000 people through 235 programs across NSW during the past year. Access Economics predicts that at least 150,000 more people and their families will be turning to charities for help because of the financial crisis.
"The lack of affordable housing and a tight rental market is putting stress on many families. Unfortunately for many of these people, the new year will be bleak," Mr Garner said.
Wesley Mission's recently released annual review of its activities showed that it was unable to meet the needs of a growing number of people left homeless, bankrupt and vulnerable.
As the crisis has deepened, Wesley Creditline Financial Counselling Service provided counsel and support to 4826 people but turned away 2424. The number of women seeking crisis accommodation grew from 148 to 227 – a jump of 53 per cent on the previous year.
Wesley Mission urgently needs community support to help care for the homeless, the lonely, the marginalised, the unemployed and the vulnerable.
"Australians are generous even during hard economic times. Every gift helps provide hope for the future," Mr Garner said.
Donations can be made by phoning 1800 021 821 or by visiting the Wesley Mission web site: www.wesleymission.org.au/donate