The Red Shield Report 2025
21 May 2025
New research report released from The Salvation Army’s Research and Outcomes Measurement team reveals the drastic actions some of Australia’s most disadvantaged community members are taking just to survive.
Each year, we conduct research to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of people who received support from our Doorways emergency relief services. Almost 3600 people completed the survey and shared their views about some of their life circumstance and financial struggles.
We found that respondents were left with less than $1 per day after covering essential expenses like housing, utilities and food – not leaving much for discretionary spending. Many were living well below the poverty line and reported their financial situation had worsened in the past year. Respondents also reported using “Buy Now, Pay Later” schemes to put food on the table or buy medications.
People reported skipping or rationing meals and often went hungry because of a lack of finances. Some sought free cooked meals from community kitchens or food vans and even resorted to eating spoiled or expired food. Many respondents experienced housing stress, paying a substantial proportion of their income to keep a roof over their heads. Some fell behind on paying the rent and many were very worried about losing their home or even becoming homeless. Community members were struggling to survive.