A Tasmanian charity has seen a 40 per cent increase in applications for Christmas assistance, with rising rents and the cost of food, fuel and power bills causing hardship.
Hobart City Mission has received more than 1,000 applications, which include 1,754 children, for emergency relief with food and other Christmas essentials.
The charity is among those supported by the ABC Hobart Giving Tree Appeal, which has raised just over $260,000 — about $37,000 more than last year.
Hobart City Mission chief executive officer Harvey Lennon said it had been a tough year for many, and the charity was also starting to see more families struggling with mortgage repayments.
"This isn't going to go away," he said.
"We've got past the Christmas assistance program, but we haven't got past Christmas.
"We're still going to see a huge demand for support in the coming year because all the factors that are influencing the economy and making life difficult for some people are going to continue at least for many months."
The charity has been supported by more than 100 businesses carrying out toy and food drives, with about 150 volunteers helping to put together toy and food parcels.
Mother Yoyo Verschuur receives relief from the Kingborough Helping Hands — another recipient of the ABC Giving Tree appeal.
She said without the support, her children would miss out on a lot of the joys of Christmas.
And in 2022, the rising cost of living made things tougher for her family.
"To be honest with you, everything [is more expensive]. Phone's gone up, petrol's gone up, but fresh food is just unbelievable, and meat," Ms Verschuur said.
"Our rent jumped up quite substantially as well, so that didn't help either. It's not matching what your income is."
St Vincent de Paul Tasmania is also seeing significant increase in demand this Christmas, including from many people who are new to the charity.
John Hall said a change in his living situation had increased the cost of fuel from $50 a week to between $150 and $200, adding to the financial strain.
Mr Hall said it would have been impossible to handle Christmas without the charity's support, and he encouraged others to seek help if needed.
"Reach out. It's very easy to get help," Mr Hall said.
"I made the call. I was anxious that first time.
"Within three hours I was through, got the help I needed, and I felt more than welcome.
"They made me feel welcome to reach out again.
"The last 12 weeks, I wouldn't have made it without them.
"To get rid of that anxiety and pressure of stressing about it makes a huge difference for everything."
