Rising living costs, widespread redundancies and government cuts to social service agencies and community providers is placing huge strain on Tauranga’s Salvation Army, which says its local services are in higher demand than ever before.

But some good news has come the Sallies’ way in the form of a $35,000 grant from BayTrust to help cover operational costs over the next three years.

The new funding will provide much-needed security, allowing the Tauranga branch to proactively think and plan for the future.

“It’s absolutely amazing and humbling to have ongoing support from BayTrust,” said Tauranga Salvation Army community ministry manager Sarah Way.

“They want to see us grow and keep going and we couldn’t do that without organisations like BayTrust.

“This money is a small piece of the pie, but it’s also huge when you put it all together. Knowing we’ve got the security of a three-year grant means that we can budget, plan and look at what is needed – how can we evolve to ensure we’re meeting the needs of vulnerable people in our community?”

Last year alone, Tauranga’s Salvation Army helped more than 600 local households and 1200 individuals by providing essential welfare aid, comprehensive social services and life skills mentoring. And demand is continuing to grow.

Tauranga Salvation Army Community Ministry team member Bazz Lowe. Supplied photo

“There used to be a common trend of people who accessed our services. And now there’s so many different people. There are those who have worked their whole lives and are now walking through our front door and standing there in tears because they’ve never had to come in and ask for a food parcel before.

“That’s really massive for them. We try to give them their dignity, their respect and their mana in that space, because it’s been no fault of their own. People have been laid off left, right and centre. The economic impact right now is huge.”

Way said the Salvation Army acted as a one-stop-shop and its mission was to transform lives.

“We’ve got financial mentoring, positive lifestyle programmes, parenting and self-development initiatives, food support and clothing support. We have mentors working in the community, and we have social workers advocating where needed.

“And then we have our transitional and social housing accommodations. So as a community service, we’re trying to meet multiple needs.”

The BayTrust grant would allow these wide-reaching social services to continue in the region.

“For example, a pregnant woman in a hostel was urgently referred to us, and we successfully housed her and her newborn, highlighting the demand for our support.

“The rise in demand extends to working poor individuals and families struggling despite employment. Homelessness is also increasing, with a daily influx of homeless individuals seeking refuge around our buildings.”

BayTrust CEO Alastair Rhodes said community wellbeing was a key funding priority for BayTrust and the Salvation Army was a model of grassroots success.

“We believe our communities will flourish when they are equitable, vibrant, fun and safe. The essential support that Tauranga’s Salvation Army provides helps individuals and family/whanau to overcome challenges and move forward in a stable and positive way.

“We know people are doing it tough in the current economic climate, and it’s vital that we fund and support those who provide lifelines to vulnerable people in need. BayTrust is looking forward to seeing the positive difference this grant will make in our community.”