Invoices, rent and sick pay, the difficulties of 98 families (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• 98 families supported by the Amélie Solidarity Basket project
• Economic difficulties and lack of work
• Weekly distribution of food products

Key Facts

• The main motivation for requesting help is economic difficulty
• 74% of respondents believe that their situation would worsen without the help of the project
• The quality of the products is judged to be good or very good by almost all participants
• The quantity of products is considered adequate by about 90% of respondents
• 60% of households surveyed said they were struggling to pay their bills, while 55% said they could not pay their rent
• Lack of work is the main cause of economic difficulty for 70% of the families interviewed

History

The Amélie Solidarity Basket project was born between January and March last year thanks to a food collection promoted by the Amélie Association. The increase in demand quickly led to the creation of a stable service with weekly distributions made possible by collaboration with local merchants and the Magic Table.

Implications

Economic difficulties and lack of work are the main reasons why families turn to the project. Without the help of the Solidarity Basket, 74% of respondents believe that their situation would worsen. The quality of the products is judged to be good or very good by almost all the participants, while the quantity is considered adequate by about 90% of the interviewees.

Action

The Amélie Solidarity Basket project is confirmed as a concrete help in terms of food, but also as a space for listening and support for people in vulnerable situations. The indications that emerged from the survey will serve to further improve the service and strengthen the network of collaborations in the area.

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Operational details

The Amélie Solidarity Basket project received a very positive evaluation, with 47% of users saying they were very satisfied and 50% satisfied. Popular items include fruits and vegetables, staple foods, dairy, meat, fish, and personal hygiene items. Some beneficiaries point to the need to increase the variety and frequency of distribution, as well as a greater presence of fresh produce.

A cross-border commuter who finds himself in a similar situation could turn to the Amélie Solidarity Basket project to receive concrete help in terms of food. For example, a family of four living in Geneva and with a monthly income of 4,500 francs could apply for help to cover basic and food expenses.

According to 2022 data, 12% of Swiss households live on an income below the poverty line. In Ticino, 15% of households have an income of less than 3,000 francs per month. In Valais, 10% of households live on an income of less than 2,500 francs per month.

The Federal Act on Aid to Swiss Citizens in Need, adopted in 2019, provides that aid can be provided in the form of cash, goods or services. The maximum aid limit is 5,000 francs per family.

Here's a checklist for families who need help:

• Check your income and family situation
• Contact the Amélie Solidarity Basket project or another aid organization
• Request help in the form of money, goods or services
• Check your eligibility for help
• Receive aid of no more than 5,000 francs

A comparison of practical scenarios could be useful to better understand the situation. For example, a family of four living in Zurich with a monthly income of 6,000 francs could apply for help to cover basic and food expenses. In this case, the family could receive aid of 3,000 francs per month for a period of six months.

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Key points

Solidarity is a fundamental value for Swiss society, and the Amélie Association is a concrete example of how the community can come together to help those in need. However, despite the efforts of the association, there are still many families who are facing daily economic difficulties.

For more information, please consult the Amélie Solidarity Basket project on the Amélie Association website. You can also contact the association directly to request further information or to offer your support.

According to data from the Amélie Association, in 2022, 98 families in the Canton of Ticino faced economic difficulties related to bills, rent and health insurance. These families, who live mainly in the city of Bellinzona, had to deal with an increase in expenses that exceeded 20% compared to the previous year.

For example, a family of three living in Lugano in the canton of Ticino had to face an increase in expenses of CHF 1,800 per year for rent alone. This increase was caused by an increase in real estate market prices, which led to a 15% increase in rental expenses.

In addition, Swiss families also have to deal with health insurance costs, which can be very high. According to data from the Federal Office of Health, published in 2020, health insurance costs increased by 10% compared to the previous year.

To help families manage these expenses, the Amélie Association has created a project called Amélie Solidarity Basket. This project involves the creation of a basket of basic necessities, which are delivered to families who need them. The goods included in the basket may vary depending on the needs of families, but may include food, clothing, and personal hygiene items.

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