The Salvation Army is calling on the business community and individuals to consider making a tax deductible donation to the Red Shield Appeal before the end of June.
The call comes as the Salvos release survey research showing a whopping 75 percent of the community would be willing to pay more tax if the extra revenue went directly to eradicating homelessness.
The Salvation Army’s Major Paul Moulds said: “The issue has become so serious that the community is prepared to put its own money toward solutions”.
“There is widespread consensus that this is a crisis which has grown to embarrassing and unacceptable proportions. People are saying it is now incumbent on all levels of politics to find new solutions.”
The research shows there are concerns that not enough has been done to address the issue of homelessness in the last 10 years, with 52 percent of respondents indicating they think the situation has, in fact; worsened.
In total 36 percent believed the government should be providing more public and social housing, while nearly one quarter (24.4 percent) of respondents say there should be greater incentives for the private sector to provide affordable housing.
The Salvos are repeating their call for the development of a nationally coordinated homelessness and housing affordability strategy.
The results sit alongside recently released data showing the number of people accessing The Salvation Army’s ‘Moneycare’ financial counselling program has more than doubled in the last five years, with homelessness affecting 1 in 20 participants.
“The Salvation Army is encouraging the community to give generously to the Red Shield Appeal to help us reach our end of financial year target of $8 million,” Major Moulds said.
“It’s not too late to donate and give hope where it’s needed most”.
To donate to The Salvation Army’ Red Shield Appeal visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
