4 Aug 2016

City Mission sees rising number of struggling students

12:16 pm on 4 August 2016

There has been an increase in tertiary students who are struggling with high rent and living costs asking for assistance, Christchurch City Mission says.

Christchurch City Missioner, Michael Gorman, in one of the missions three new tranistional apartments for homeless families.

Christchurch City Missioner, Michael Gorman, in one of the missions three new tranistional apartments for homeless families. Photo: RNZ / Sally Murphy

The mission said that over the past year more people aged 18 to 24 had asked for advice and food parcels.

City missioner Michael Gorman said helping students and young people was a new phenomenon for the mission.

Mr Gorman said the gap between the cost of living and government assistance through benefits or StudyLink was growing, leaving more people struggling.

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