Caritas reports 32% rise in social counselling contacts

Social counselling contacts with Caritas Carinthia have risen by 32% this year as higher housing, energy and food costs leave more people struggling to cover their expenses, ORF reports.

Caritas expects demand to grow further over the coming winter months. Director Ernst Sandriesser said the organisation had already recorded nearly 20,000 counselling contacts this year, with people’s problems becoming more complex.

Housing is the biggest financial challenge, Caritas said. Having a job no longer protects people from poverty: 27% of those seeking help have income from employment. Women are particularly affected, along with children. Of nearly 6,000 people affected, more than 1,900 are children, Sandriesser said.

After paying rent, energy and operating costs, those seeking help have an average of 17 euros a day left for food, medication, clothing, transport and other expenses. Sandriesser said little remained for unexpected costs, such as a period of unemployment or replacing a broken fridge.

Petra, a 32-year-old working single mother who does not want to disclose her real name, said rising heating costs led her family to switch to electric heating to keep the children warm. The bills built up into substantial debt, she said, leaving her able to pay only the most essential expenses.

Caritas is collecting non-perishable food and other donations through its Kilo gegen Armut campaign in Klagenfurt on Thursday and in St Veit on November 4.