The ongoing closure of charity shops and cheaper retailers like Penneys is causing âhuge hardshipâ among poorer households, a leading charity is warning.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is âappealingâ to Government to designate charity shops an âessential serviceâ under Level 5 restrictions, saying many of the poorest households cannot afford the clothing and household items available in supermarkets or online.
On Wednesday the charity announced an almost 20 per cent increase in calls for help in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2020.
National president Rose McGowan said among the costs households were struggling to meet during lockdown were childrenâs and babiesâ clothes; laptops, tablets and wifi for children to participate in remote-learning, and basic homeware such as bed linen, towels and tableware.
Real danger of post-pandemic crisis of poverty, debt and homelessness
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Pandemic forces one in four to cut back on food, bills
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