QUEANBEYAN Salvation Army Major Les Coulter is expecting an increase in pressure on local welfare services heading into winter.
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Major Coulter said demand had been on the rise and that would only increase over the next few months.
"I think demand will be higher this winter. If the last week's any indication, we're going to have a long, hard winter and the demand is going to be greater," he said
"We find energy bills - electricity and gas are the biggest problems and rent. Food's always an issue because people have spent their money on energy bills and things."
The Queanbeyan Salvation Army helps at least 10 to 12 local families a week by providing vouchers to subsidise utility bills or groceries, Mr Coulter said.
Recently, there had been some confusion among the community regarding the Salvation Army's welfare assistance.
Some community members believed the organisation was no longer providing welfare.
Major Coulter said that wasn't the case, the Salvation Army had simply changed the welfare process.
Rather than face-to-face appointments at the Morisset Street office, those seeking assistance will need to contact the Salvation Army head office in Sydney for an initial assessment.
"We're still doing welfare assistance, we're just doing it differently," Major Coulter said.
"Now we have a number that people need to ring and they will be assessed over the phone before they come here and we'll give them the assistance that we're told will be provided."
Community members wanting to support the Salvation Army can provide tax deductible donations or volunteer to become a doorknocker for the charity's major fundraiser, the Red Shield Appeal.
The Appeal will be held in the last weekend of May and anyone wanting to volunteer can contact the Queanbeyan Salvation Army on 6299 1138.
For those seeking assistance from the Salvation Army, please ring Salvos Connect on 1300 371 288. The line is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.