Tasmania has entered into a period of prosperity - for some.
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Our economy is ranked as one of the strongest in the country, property values have increased - as too have the costs associated with private rentals. But for those in the bottom 25 per cent, times have never been tougher.
Our state highest national unemployment rate in the nation.
Longstanding issues facing those living below the poverty line have been further compounded by the pandemic, including the additional support streams many have relied on to maintain a roof over their head, and food on their table.
Last month analysis by the Australian Institute estimated the end of the coronavirus supplement for JobSeeker recipients disproportionately impacted Tasmanians, plunging 7000 more people into poverty.
From April 1, the rate was effectively reduced by $100 a fortnight, leaving it $50 a fortnight above the pre-COVID level.
Now, the charities at the frontline providing support to Northern Tasmanians in need are starting to see the impact - just as winter kicks in.
"The prosperity in Tasmania has created a problem in the housing market for the lower 25 per cent," City Mission chief executive Stephen Brown said.
"With the drying up of private rentals, there is both a housing need and other illness need - whether that's mental health or alcohol and drug addiction - driving people to find places with us.
"Because they are on very nominal rents and those types of services, there is a lot of demand because the people we look after, don't have too many options at the moment."
Mr Brown said for every homeless person that is seen on the street, there is at least another 13 who are unseen - also known as the hidden homeless.
"People are being forced out into cars, sleeping in people's lounge rooms - whatever they can find," he explained.
"It's hard to actually get an accurate prediction, but we often say it's probably around the 600 - 700 [homeless people] in Launceston alone."
City Mission, along with the St Vincent de Paul Society, Launceston Benevolent Society and the Salvation Army all benefit from The Examiner's annual Winter Relief Appeal.
Now in its 63rd year, last year's appeal raised a record-breaking $119,334 - far exceeding the $70,000 target.
It came at a time of great uncertainty, with coronavirus restrictions forcing many organisations to close their doors.
But as services return to a "new normal" the message from those supporting Tasmania's most vulnerable remains the same - demand has never been greater.
"Demand has increased and has reached levels prior to COVID. However we are seeing more new people than previously," Salvation Army Northern Tasmania area officer Major Kevin Lumb said.
"We continue to work with some migrant families who were left with no income due to their families at home unable to support them and difficulty securing work, but this has dropped off in the last few months."
Mr Lumb said rent increases and the rise in property values were the biggest challenges facing those living on allowances from the government.
"Unfortunately we are also seeing a return of those living in primary homelessness, due to the supplement being removed and literally no affordable rental properties for those on JobSeeker," he said.
"Our largest cohorts are again those on JobKeeper or disability. Living with medical and mental health challenges can incur additional costs for people and thus they are left with no money for food and bills."
This year's Winter Relief fundraising target has been set at $75,000, with all funds to be shared equally between the four Northern charities.
As the temperature continues to drop, Launceston Benevolent Society chief executive Rodney Spinks said they were starting to see many familiar faces return, along with new clients seeking help for the first time.
"It's going to be a busy winter for us. This appeal is just so important in ensuring we can get through that period and help out our clients as much as possible," he said.
"Coming out of COVID, many came out of that period last year slightly better than they were going into it. Some were able to reduce debt and they were left in a better position.
"But we are now starting to see the flow on from that come through now. It's been a couple of months since JobSeeker ended and people are starting to struggle again on that very low level of income.
"Particularly at the moment one of the biggest issues we are seeing is rental stress. The last thing we want to see is people being evicted ahead of a long, cold winter."
Similarly, St Vincent de Paul Tasmania chief executive Lara Alexander said the uncertainty of the past 12 months had caught up to many people.
"Obviously there are still people who are homeless, and we will continue to assist them as we have always done. But there are also those on the cusp of becoming homeless or not having a place to go home," she said.
"We are hoping the community will once again get behind the appeal, because it's all about helping people maintain their dignity."
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