More than half of all Australians are cutting back on food, medicine and other essentials just to keep a roof over their head, according to new research released by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
A new YouGov survey commissioned by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW shows nearly one in three Australians do not have enough money to cover an unexpected expense, leaving them at increased risk of financial hardship this winter. Gen X (40 per cent) are more likely than Millennials (22 per cent) and Baby Boomers (29 per cent) to lack the savings needed to manage an emergency expense.
As St Vincent de Paul Society NSW launches its annual Vinnies Winter Appeal, the findings highlight growing financial fragility among households already under pressure from rising living costs.
“Too many Australians are being forced to cut back on essentials, like food and heating, while lacking the savings to absorb an unexpected expense this winter,” St Vincent de Paul Society NSW chief executive Yoland Saiz said.
“We are seeing more people reach out for help because they are just one unexpected expense away from not being able to pay their rent or keep up with basic living costs.”
The impact of these pressures is being felt across NSW, with the society recording sharp increases in demand for assistance in recent months.
Since July 2025, Vinnies NSW members have supported more than 94,000 people, an increase of 6 per cent year-on-year, and provided over $12 million in assistance, up 10 per cent.
In March 2026, the number of people seeking help for the first time rose by 16 per cent compared to the same time last year, highlighting a growing number of households newly facing financial hardship. Calls to the Vinnies Assist phone line were also nearly double March last year, suggesting people are reaching crisis point more quickly and more often.
The society is calling on the community to donate to its Vinnies Winter Appeal to support an increasing number of people seeking help for the first time, and those facing entrenched homelessness and housing insecurity.
Donations: Vinnies Winter Appeal.
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Vinnies NSW Winter Appeal Launches, as Australians Cut Back on Essentials to Stay Housed (Vinnies NSW)
