Of the 1000 people surveyed, 30 per cent of those between the ages of 18 and 24 were unable to afford hygiene products.

And its impact was resulting in low self-esteem, embarrassment, shame, avoiding exercise, dental and personal care and social events.

Good360 Australia founder and managing director Alison Covington said the findings were “highly concerning”.

“It highlights the growing need for Australian businesses and governments to support people affected by this hidden crisis,” she said.

“Eliminating hygiene poverty isn’t just about ensuring people have access to toothpaste and deodorant, it’s about helping people to live a dignified and healthy life.”

Difficult choices

In Queensland, Australian Catholic University students and staff in crisis or hardship could now access help on its Banyo campus as part of a programme in partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society.

In Western Australia, demand for emergency relief services from Vinnies was at an all-time high and was projected to grow by 2030, Mark Gaetani, national president of St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia, said.

“After housing costs and living standards are considered, almost three million Australians are living in poverty,” he said.

“Those households with abnormally high rates of financial stress and poverty include single parents and their children, younger Australians, renters, sole-person households, and working age welfare recipients.”

Similarly, Rosies — Friends on the Street has also seen an increase in the demand for our services, up by 35 per cent to 50 per cent.

“A growing number of those attending outreach locations are new faces, many of whom have never before experienced homelessness or this level of disadvantage,” Rosies — Friends on the Street chief executive Jayne Shallcross said.

“Many who are seeking our assistance are working (sometimes with more than one job), but are struggling to keep a roof over their head and make ends meet.”

She said the demand for toiletries and blankets had grown substantially.

Struggling families speak of shame associated with poverty

Paul said his family of eight could not carry on without help.

Mental health struggles and financial pressures had made life overwhelming for him.

“I work, but we still struggle, especially when it comes to getting the kids to school and covering basic expenses,” he said.

“My wife is on a parenting pension. I don’t know what we’d do without Rosies.”

He said Rosies offered him more than food or resources.

“It’s not just about the practical help; it’s the kindness, the welcoming atmosphere. I know everyone will treat us with respect,” he said.

Similarly in Western Australia, single mother Jasmine was struggling to put food on the table and feed her four young children, when she began to lose hope.

“I was desperate for help – when I first reached out, I was pregnant with my youngest and I was juggling being a single mum to three young kids,” Jasmine said.

“It was really tough.”

Then she discovered her local community kitchen, hosted every Wednesday evening by Vinnies at Chosen Church in Kelmscott.

“At first I was really ashamed to seek help,” Jasmine said.

“But after I went for the first time, and saw how friendly and welcoming everyone was, I realised that there is absolutely no shame in asking for help.”

Insufficient funds

However, Mr Gaetani from Vinnies, said there were challenges to carrying out this work.

While the charity was seeing an increase in demand, he said the cost of supplies, rent and utilities to provide that support had also gone up.

“Additional challenges include the risk of donor fatigue and volunteer fatigue; the society can’t do what we do without them,” he said.

Supporting shoulder: Jayne Shallcross is the chief executive of Rosies — Friends on the Street. Photo: Supplied

Rosies was seeing the same challenges.

Ms Shallcross said the increase in cost of products had resulted in an overall decrease in donations of those items to Rosies.

“This demonstrates the impact of the increasing cost of everyday items not only on our patrons, but also on those who generously provide in-kind donations of products and supplies to Rosies,” she said.

Need for change at a policy level

Mr Gaetani said the society was calling on governments to increase funding of specialist homelessness services, increase housing, better connect mental health services with housing and homelessness support, and increase the rate of JobSeeker.

“…So people don’t have to make difficult choices between keeping a roof over their heads, accessing health services or buying essentials,” he said.

“The situation that we are currently facing will be improved by additional housing, but the issue is much bigger than that,” Ms Shallcross said.

She said it was vital that everyone had access to the everyday essentials.

“Fulfilling these needs goes a long way to restoring dignity and giving hope to those in need,” she said.