📉Why Financial Stress Is Driving More Families Into Crisis – “It Starts With Hello” Can Be Your First Step to Support

❗Financial stress is one of the fastest-growing challenges in Western Australia. Rising rents, food costs, and unexpected bills leave families struggling to cope. Yet many delay seeking help because of stigma and shame. According to Financial Counselling Australia, early advice can prevent long-term hardship and improve mental well-being. That’s why The Spiers Centre launched the It Starts With Hello campaign—to encourage people to reach out before things spiral into crisis.

In WA, homelessness and financial hardship are rising sharply. In June alone, Spiers Centre gave out over 1,255kg of essential items, including food, clothing, and toiletries. Yet, 383 people were turned away due to limited resources. Many suffer in silence, believing they’re not “deserving” of help. Parents skip meals to feed their children, retirees cut back on medications, and individuals fall behind on rent. These choices come from resilience, but they also carry heavy costs. The longer someone waits, the harder it becomes to recover.

The 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare Australia found that only 3 rental listings nationwide were affordable for someone on JobSeeker. In WA, the average rent has increased by 76–99% since 2021, and vacancy rates remain below 1%. These figures show that the housing crisis is not just about supply—it’s about accessibility, affordability, and equity.

The Spiers Centre’s mission is clear: support without judgment. Services include:

• Food relief and emergency assistance

• Financial counselling

• Family and domestic violence (FDV) support

• Community closet and children’s services

All programs are trauma-informed and recovery-focused, meaning every individual is treated with dignity and respect. By starting with a simple hello, clients connect with professionals who listen, understand, and help develop a pathway forward.

Services provided by The Spiers Centre. Copyright by Spiers Centre.

☀️ Real Stories, Real Impact

Meet Catherine, a single mum who lived in a tent with her baby for 15 months. For months, she thought others needed help more, so she stayed silent. When she finally said hello, she accessed food relief and financial counselling that helped her regain stability for her child. Her journey shows how small steps can transform lives.

Catherine is receiving support at The Spiers Centre. Copyright by iStock.

The key message of It Starts With Hello is simple: asking for help is not a weakness—it is a strength. The campaign reminds our community that no matter the struggle, support is always available, and earlier outreach means better outcomes.

🌱 Don’t wait until stress feels overwhelming.

👉 Visit It Starts With Hello and The Spiers Centre to discover how one simple word can open the door to a brighter future.

(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.) - 10685212