The Vinnies volunteers use their experience in these matters, give assistance to a particular client after careful thought as to what is best for the client in both the short and long term, and what is the best use of our resources. Mr Walls said that, despite outward signs of prosperity, many people in Canberra found it a continual battle to make ends meet. The welfare system was just not flexible enough to cater for the immediate needs of many families going through a rough patch. Many of the people we help could be described as Aussie battlers, who are raising kids and trying to do their best for them. They find in a particular week they don't have enough to pay the rent, electricity, or whatever, and still put food on the table.
Some people suffer multiple disadvantages.
For example, we can get a single mum with a disabled child, and older children who have got into trouble, leading to near total family disorganisation. In these circumstances, it can be just a matter of surviving from day to day for them. We also get cases involving substance abuse, or a gambling addiction, where there is nothing left for food and other essentials. Sadly, in many cases, it is the children who suffer most. We also get calls from people who have little idea of managing what they do have, and find themselves without food in the house and some time to go before a welfare payment can be received.