Community Steps Up Amid Growing Demand for Support Services

The demand for support services, particularly food and shelter, is rising significantly in Gore, New Zealand. Michelle Chirnside, a navigator at the Salvation Army Gore community ministries, highlighted this trend, noting that while there has always been a need, it is becoming more pronounced. “Food insecurity is on the rise across all demographics,” she stated, emphasizing how precarious circumstances can lead low-income families into poverty.

Gore’s community demonstrates resilience and generosity, as evidenced by various support initiatives. The local food bank, bolstered by contributions from churches and community groups, plays a crucial role in assisting those in need. Chirnside pointed to the recent efforts of the Gore River Valley Lions Toot for Tucker initiative, which collected over 7,000 supermarket items last week alone, making a significant impact on the lives of her clients. “This is what makes Gore unique; the community steps up and supports,” she remarked.

Despite this community spirit, the situation is complicated by the lack of emergency housing in Gore. The impending closure of the Gore Motor Camp due to health and safety concerns poses an additional challenge. The lease for the campground, which is set to end on January 31, was terminated by the Gore District Council. Council chief executive Debbie Lascelles mentioned last month that discussions were ongoing regarding the termination. Chirnside advises her clients to avoid the campground, stating that other emergency housing and mental health services are already overloaded.

While Chirnside reported that she has not seen an increase in requests for food support from local schools, she remains concerned about the broader impact of the rising cost of living. “It does not take much, such as a car breaking down or a child’s birthday, for low-income homes to be thrown into a cycle of poverty,” she explained. Food is often the first expense families sacrifice when faced with financial difficulties.

Despite the challenges, Chirnside noted that her clientele were not significantly affected by the strong winds experienced in October, suggesting some resilience within the community. Yet, the overall pressure of increasing living costs looms large, affecting the very foundation of support systems in place.

As demand for services continues to grow, the community’s commitment to supporting one another remains a vital aspect of navigating these challenges. The collaborative efforts of local organizations and individuals illustrate the strength and unity of Gore, even in difficult times.