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One in 86 Tasmanians turning to homelessness services as winter bites

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Students and staff from Sacred Heart School in Launceston with winter appeal donations. Image / Supplied

One in 86 Tasmanians is now seeking emergency help from homelessness services, a rate charities say is the highest in the country.

St Vincent de Paul has recorded an 18% spike in emergency relief requests during April and May, with the bitter winter weather driving that figure even higher.

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Southern Regional President Louise Wilson said the crisis is hitting every corner of the state, with many people asking for help for the first time.

“Across Hobart we’re meeting people who have never asked for help before,” Wilson said.

Louise Wilson is the Southern Regional President of St Vincent de Paul. Image / Win

“Parents sleeping in cars with children, young people couch surfing and older Tasmanians choosing between heating and food.”

Wilson, who has worked with St Vincent de Paul for 15 years, said she has never seen the need so desperate.

$50 can buy warm bedding for those in need. Image / Stock

“When temperatures plummet, a warm blanket or one night of safe shelter is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline,” she said.

More than 5,000 applicants are currently on Tasmania’s social housing waitlist, with nearly 4,000 either homeless or in temporary accommodation.

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The demand has prompted Vinnies to renew its call for donations through its winter appeal.

Over the past year, generous donors have helped the charity serve more than 32,000 meals and support hundreds of households into short-term shelter.

One in 86 Tasmanians is seeking help from homelessness services. Image / Supplied

$50 can buy warm bedding, $100 can fill a food hamper and $250 can pay for a night of safe refuge.

“Rising rents and energy bills are stretching budgets to breaking point,” Wilson said.

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“We can’t obviously pay people’s rents all the time but we can give them food which allows them to have more money to be able to put towards their rent.”

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