Homeless in Vans: Fuel Crisis Traps Ashwood

0:00Anthony Ashwood, a 56-year-old disability pensioner from South East Queensland, has called his van home for the past 18 months after, becoming homeless in 2021. High diesel prices mean he struggles to power his fridge, charge devices, or stay warm, forcing him to eat only 10 food and go days without, contacting family or services. Housing and rental costs have jumped over 40% in 5 years, pushing more folks into vehicles, nearly 8,000 nationwide last year, up, 17%, fuel prices spike 40% in March alone, turning vans from safe havens into traps for people like Ashwood. Now, many van dwellers face brutal choices between gas for their homes on wheels or buying groceries with some driving over 100 kilometers, just to park. Non-profits are hurting too, losing volunteers and donations while cutting staff shifts due to travel costs, especially in regional spots. The government have the fuel excise tax last month, dropping prices by 26.3 cents per

1:02liter for three months, and boosted. Emergency relief funding by 15% for food parcels and vouchers. Advocates push for bigger social security hikes that ease the pain on low incomes. These overlapping crises make escaping homelessness tougher than ever, but folks like Ashwood hold out hope for affordable housing as relief measures. Kick in. Be informed with Sydney News Today, AI Powered Updates.