Over the past three years, there have been reduced grants for charities, uncertainty over continuation of funding of programs and competition from new services.

Philanthropy is also on the decline – at least nationally.

According to a report on charities released in April by JBWere, just one-third of people donate money to charities.

On average, less than eight per cent of a charity’s income comes through philanthropy with half of that from individual donations.

Launceston Benevolent Society chief executive John Stuart said the charity’s federal funding had been halved since the change of government in 2013.

Salvation Army Northern regional manager Anita Reeve said unfortunately the need was always greater than the available funding.

“Certainly this financial year has been very challenging with a reduction in funds available from the federal government,” she said.

”We are currently working with around 25 per cent less funding for this financial year.”

This has meant that less people are able to seek assistance.

Ms Reeve said from 18 months from July 2015, the organisation assisted 1568 people.

This was down almost 300 from the same period before.

“It has reduced our capacity to provide financial support for families and individuals in crisis unfortunately, but it has also been a good opportunity to extend our support through advocacy, information, support, and referral to other services,” Ms Reeve said.

“We have developed, and continue to develop, a new framework for working with families in crisis, which provides more than just financial support.”

Today, The Examiner newspaper will start its Winter Relief Appeal and collect public and business donations for the St Vincent de Paul Society, Launceston Benevolent Society, Launceston City Mission and the Salvation Army.

If each person in greater Launceston donated one dollar to the campaign over the next few months, each charity would receive a share in more than $100,000 for essential services.

Donated money will go towards items such as food parcels or gift cards, clothing, furniture, bedding for the homeless, Aurora assistance, and medical expenses and associated travel

The North’s four key charities each report that a lack of affordable housing and displacement caused by domestic violence are the main issues that they are grappling with.

City Mission client services manager Ray Green said rents had skyrocketed to the extent that many struggled to pay them these days.

”The lack of affordable accommodation makes it very difficult for low income earners and unemployed,” he said.

“And there has been a wave of those struggling with domestic violence in the last few months seeing at least a couple a week – new clients, people we have not seen before.”

St Vincent de Paul Northern regional council president Hetty Binns added:

“There have been a number of cases where people have left the family home with nothing but a few personal belongings.

“We are able to assist by providing furniture, household items and clothing but the lack of affordable housing is a major issue and the problems associated with finding suitable accommodation makes this transitional period even more difficult.

Often it is no particular event that leads to someone to seek help from a Northern charity.

Ms Reeve said Tasmania had the highest proportion of low-income households in the country many living on less than $600 a week.

She said this was compounded by limited employment opportunities with many available jobs part-time or seasonal only.

“There has been an increase in working families accessing assistance, simply because their hours of employment have been reduced or has ended for the time being,” Ms Reeve said.

“Choices are made between paying the electricity bill, the rent or buying food, and this is a difficult decision when you have children.

“Homelessness in Tasmania has been increasing and now we have the third highest rate of homelessness in Australia on a per capita basis.

“The lack of affordable housing directly impacts on this rise in homelessness and the most vulnerable are those with mental health issues, alcohol and drug dependency, and those living alone.

“Many organisations who currently provide crisis accommodation for those who are homeless, state that the demand is way beyond the capacity to provide a bed for all those that need one.”