As we head into another year, many South Australians are still grappling to make ends meet.
Rental affordability is at a record low, as families also struggle to meet the rising costs of utilities and groceries.
Many South Australians are experiencing food insecurity with a growing number of employed people seeking support.
While there is a spotlight on helping others at Christmas, the reality is that many families face challenges all year round.
Back-to-school costs are an example of an expense that can be hard to cover.
“We often help out with the cost of school shoes,” explains Cindy Adey, Coordinator of UnitingSA’s financial wellbeing programs.
“Even a new backpack and some pencils can put a smile on the face of a young child,” she says.
“We have seen an increase in people fleeing domestic violence as well as families becoming homeless due to the cost of living, lack of housing, loss of employment or unexpected health issues.
“In many cases, when a family is forced to relocate, they are having to start over. They might need help to cover the costs of enrolling their child or children in a new school.”
UnitingSA provides no interest loans to people struggling to meet back-to-school expenses.
These loans can be used to cover essential costs such as school fees, uniforms and computers, ensuring children have the tools they need to learn and thrive.
To find out more about our interest free loans and begin the application process, visit our Emergency Assistance page.