The State Government is now providing an average of 40 people a week with temporary crisis accommodation in Katoomba properties, including motel rooms, as the financial downturn continues to take its toll on families.

The Blue Mountains Salvation Army (BMSA) and St Vincent de Paul Society (BMSDP) say they are doing their best to fill in the gaps to assist a rapidly growing number of desperate families flooding in.

BMSA captain Colin Young said the average number of people attending a free breakfast service in Katoomba has jumped from 20 a year ago to 39 and while the average number of total meals provided in 2008 was 50, there were 129 meals provided the week before last.

“We have a lot more people searching for accommodation — not so much homeless people but families seeking temporary accommodation — that’s something we didn’t see a year ago,” Captain Young said.

“The Department of Housing is doing a great job, but I can’t imagine (what would happen) if there’s even more demand.

“For 80 per cent of the people coming to our breakfast service that is the only hot meal they have for the day.

“We are doing our best to fill in the gaps.”

Catherine Beaver from BMSDP said her biggest concern about the increase in the number of families presenting to the Society is the effect on children.

“These people are so marginalised and they’re totally isolated when they come to the Blue Mountains community, many don’t have cars and they come here without adequate Winter clothing,” Mrs Beaver said.

“Many children (in these relocated families) have to live in a single motel room and have their school lives disrupted.

“There needs to be some arrangements made at local primary schools for these children.”

Mrs Beaver said she believes the DoH is doing its job of placing people into temporary accommodation (for four to six weeks) very well, but is not doing enough to provide basic support services.