The Red Shield Report 2024

The Research and Outcomes Measurement team latest research report explores the cost-of-living pressures, experiences of financial hardship, housing conditions, and life challenges of community members who accessed our Doorways emergency relief services in the past year. More than 1500 participants took part in the online survey.

The findings revealed experiences of severe financial hardships, many struggling to manage on limited income. For most, the rising cost of living pressures were clear, unable to stretch finances to meet increasing household bills, afford rising rents, fuel prices and medical expenses. After paying for basic essentials such as housing and bills, most respondents left with just a few dollars a day to live on.

Experiences of severe food insecurity were common, many respondents reported rationing or skipping meals, others recounted completely running out of food. Family households struggling to make ends meet reported going without food so their children could eat.

Many people who accessed The Salvation Army’s Emergency Relief services over the past twelve months were profoundly impacted by experiences of financial hardship. Most respondents reported they would not have managed without the support of the Salvos.

You can view and download the report here.