Big increase in numbers seeking assistance
THE economic downturn has led to St Vincent de Paul handing out an average of €23,000 per week in supporting local families in distress.
Last year, the charity spent €260,000 assisting households with their energy bills, and a further €212,000 on food to needy families, in addition to other expenditure.
It also emerged at a press conference this week that there is an increase of 25% in those seeking support, with 73 new requests for assistance last week alone.
According to regional president Michael Murphy, the society is struggling to keep up with demand.
He urged people in difficulties with their utility bills to contact them as soon as possible.
“Come talk to us before it’s too late.
“We have had a few situations where people have had their gas and electricity cut and we paid the reconnection fee. If you come to us in time, we can prevent this happening”.
He continued: “The financial crisis has been a great difficulty for many.
“The figures reported don’t include what many of our conferences in Limerick and the Midwest have spent on helping families”.
SVdP are now preparing to distribute 2,000 Christmas hampers across Limerick city.
This year has also seen a 60% increase in the numbers attending the St Vincent De Paul drop-in centre on Hartstonge Street, from 50 to 80 each day.
Mayor Maria Byrne said that the SVP statistics painted a picture of what is happening in Limerick.
One volunteer stated that people were delighted to receive help from the charity.
“We delivered coal to one family and they were delighted to see us.
“Last year, they were in dire straits and had their gas cut off”.
