Demand for Support Services Rises as Food Insecurity Grows

The demand for essential support services is escalating in Gore, New Zealand, as increasing food insecurity affects various demographics. According to Michelle Chirnside, a navigator for the Salvation Army Gore community ministries, the need for food, shelter, and support is consistently present but has intensified recently.

Chirnside highlighted the importance of community support in meeting these demands. “They support our food bank, and the local churches, people, and community groups support us, which makes a huge difference,” she stated. A notable example is the Gore River Valley Lions Toot for Tucker initiative, which recently collected over 7,000 supermarket items for individuals in need. This level of community engagement sets Gore apart, according to Chirnside.

Challenges of Food Insecurity and Emergency Housing

Food insecurity is rising across all demographics, often becoming the first sacrifice for families facing financial strain. Chirnside remarked, “It does not take much, such as a car breaking down or a kid’s birthday, for low-income homes to be thrown into a cycle of poverty.” She emphasized that food is the primary concern for families in crisis.

Compounding the issue, Gore currently lacks emergency housing options. The situation is expected to worsen with the impending closure of the Gore Motor Camp, scheduled to cease operations by January 31, 2024. The lease termination, mandated by the Gore District Council due to health and safety concerns, leaves many without a safety net. Debbie Lascelles, the council’s chief executive, indicated that discussions regarding the lease termination are ongoing.

Chirnside plans to advise her clients against using the campground as a temporary solution. Other emergency housing and mental health services in the area are already “overloaded,” leaving vulnerable populations with limited options. Despite these challenges, Chirnside noted that local schools had not reported an increase in requests for food support, and her clientele were not significantly affected by recent strong winds in October.

Impact of Rising Living Costs

The primary concern remains the rising cost of living, which is significantly impacting families in the Gore area. Chirnside emphasized the urgent need for increased support services to address the growing challenges faced by community members.

As demand for assistance continues to rise, community initiatives like the one spearheaded by the Gore River Valley Lions play a crucial role in providing relief. Their efforts demonstrate the resilience and solidarity of the Gore community in supporting those in need during difficult times.