Under pressure: costs of living, financial hardship and emergency relief in Victoria

Under Pressure: Costs of living, financial hardship and emergency relief in Victoria presents the findings of a research project conducted between 2007 and 2008 on demand for emergency relief in Victoria. The research project was a partnership between the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), RMIT University and the emergency relief peak body ER Victoria. Emergency relief can be defined as the provision of critical support to individuals and families experiencing a financial emergency or crisis. Emergency relief assistance can include a food voucher or parcel, household goods, clothing and financial assistance for utilities or food. Emergency relief is currently provided by over 700 non-government organisations in Victoria.