Gore Community Mobilizes Amid Rising Demand for Support Services

The demand for food, shelter, and support services is escalating in Gore, New Zealand, prompting local organizations to rally community support. According to Michelle Chirnside, a navigator for the Salvation Army Gore, the need for assistance has become increasingly evident. While this issue is being felt across the nation, Chirnside highlights the crucial role of the local community in providing support.

“We have a generous community that backs our food bank and local initiatives,” Chirnside remarked. She pointed to the recent success of the Gore River Valley Lions Toot for Tucker initiative, which collected over 7,000 supermarket items for those in need. “This is what makes Gore unique; the community steps up to help,” she added.

Food insecurity is a growing concern that affects all demographics, according to Chirnside. She noted that many families are one unexpected expense from falling into a cycle of poverty. “Food is the first thing people will sacrifice,” she explained, emphasizing the precarious nature of financial stability for low-income households.

Gore is facing additional challenges, particularly with the lack of emergency housing. The situation is expected to worsen with the impending closure of the Gore Motor Camp, which has been operating under a lease that was recently terminated by the Gore District Council due to health and safety issues. The camp is set to close by January 31, 2024.

Debbie Lascelles, the chief executive of the council, confirmed that discussions regarding the lease termination are ongoing. Chirnside has advised her clients to avoid the campground, noting that other emergency housing and mental health services are already “overloaded.”

Despite these challenges, Chirnside mentioned that there has not been a notable increase in requests for food support from local schools. She also stated that her clientele were largely unaffected by the strong winds that swept through Gore in October. The most pressing issue remains the rising cost of living, which is significantly impacting families in the area.

As community initiatives continue to provide essential support, the situation in Gore underscores the importance of local engagement in addressing growing needs. The collective efforts of residents and organizations like the Salvation Army and the Lions Club play a vital role in stabilizing the community during these challenging times.