Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn launched the 2025 Vinnies Winter Appeal last week to support the most vulnerable individuals and families across the ACT and surrounding regions during this winter season.
This year's appeal aims to raise $450,000 to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poverty, and the ever-growing pressure of cost-of-living crises not only in the Hilltops but across the central west, snowy mountains and south coast areas.
Homelessness and housing instability can affect anyone, and for many, it often happens without a warning.
“It was dehumanising – having to use public bathrooms, because you don’t have your own,” Isabella* said, recalling the time she and her sister Abigail* had to sleep in their cars after a family breakdown.
Sudden life events such as the death of a loved one, sudden job loss or relationship breakdowns can expose people to a chain of events that results in homelessness.
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Growing up in a volatile household, Isabella and Abigail were forced to move states after their parents separated.
Struggling to find stability, they eventually found themselves living in their car.
But after securing housing, their situation began to improve with the support of local Vinnies volunteer members who provide essential help in times of crisis.
“The real-life stories we hear of people experiencing homelessness make us reflect that it could happen to anyone," West Wyalong Vinnies volunteer member Deborah Dean said.
"It could be someone you know.
"An old friend who escaped domestic violence is couch surfing between friends’ or strangers’ homes.
"A former colleague who is in and out of crisis accommodation."
Every day, Vinnies volunteer members provide essential support such as food, clothing, fuel, utility and medical bills to those at risk, working to ensure that short-term hardship does not turn into long-term disadvantage.
When Isabelle and Abigail had their housing application approved, they connected with Vinnies, who helped them with furniture to transform their empty unit into a home, gave them food hampers that catered to their personal needs.
“At the time I was going through a lot of digestive problems," Abigail said.
"They put together a gluten-free hamper which was so considerate.”
“We are seeing an increase in the number of people calling our Emergency Relief Helpline for assistance in the ACT and surrounding regions," Vinnies Emergency Relief Helpline and Canberra volunteer Paula Bounds said.
"In the past six months, we have seen a 15 percent increase in calls for assistance as compared to previous six months.
"Shockingly, 62 percent of all calls received during this period have come from women.”
These alarming numbers call for an urgent call to action.
This winter Vinnies are aiming to raise $450,000 to help people experiencing disadvantage like Isabell and Abigail in the ACT and surrounding areas.
Make a tax-deductible donation before the end of financial year, call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au
*A different name has been used to protect the privacy of the supported individuals.
