POCKETS of Wagga are being gripped by a poverty “epidemic”, with one battler describing prison as often “more sustainable” than freedom.
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It comes after a shocking new report by the Salvation Army, released this week, painted a grim picture of regional hardship.
Regional residents were “clearly” over-represented among the 68 per cent of people plagued by “extreme housing stress”, a survey of 1600 battlers found.
The damning statistics have forced the Salvation Army’s hand to urge both sides of politics to better support destitute country locals in dire straits.
Wagga’s Jason Emerson has turned over a new leaf after his life-long battle with addiction and poverty.
Mr Emerson, who has seen the inside of a prison cell more than once, admitted he often found he was better resourced behind bars.
“I had a peace in jail, it just didn’t scare me as much as it should have because it wasn’t much different to how I was in society,” he said.
“The world teaches us we need a big house, a wonderful job, an expensive car, it just gets sad when you find yourself desperate to afford food.
“There’s not enough jobs out there and it just keeps getting more and more hard to live.
“The toughest part is swallowing your pride and realising you can’t do this alone, but once you seek help the compassion and care you get makes it all worth it.”
Family violence was also determined as the key reason why 37 per cent of women were forced to leave home in the past 12 months.
It was also revealed that many in regional areas are living off $16 a day after their rent is paid for.
Salvation Army case worker Judy Allen was deeply concerned by the report’s findings, which she said had no simple solution.
“We’ve had a lot of women flee domestic and family violence. It’s particularly challenging trying to find them a home with the housing prices,” Ms Allen said.
“There’s really not a lot of cheap accommodation in Wagga, and most people are paying more than three quarters of their income on rent. More funding can solve some of the issues, but not all of them.”
Around 86 per cent of respondents also told of having to deny themselves at least five basic items daily. Anybody who is struggling can contact the Salvos.
