The Red Shield Appeal is the Salvation Army's major nationwide fundraising campaign that runs throughout May and June, with a national doorknock scheduled to run in the last weekend of May.

Despite a setback in fundraising efforts as people stay inside, the Salvation Army has continued to collect donations online.

Horsham Salvation Army officer Chris Sutton has been collecting donations at Coles and Woolworths, and said he expected housing stress to increase as the government's pandemic supports wind back.

"The JobKeeper and JobSeeker were very helpful for people. Frustration and affect on mental health during the lockdown as an issue," he said.

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"We think that the demand for our services will increase as the effects of the JobSeeker decrease sets in."

Horsham's Salvation Army provides on-site crisis housing for those facing homelessness, as well as running community lunches and kids programs.

The group also holds camps for children with disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Farrell said the group had planned to collect donations at Coles, Woolworths and Horsham Plaza, and will hold barbecues at Bunnings in June.

"Our appeal goes through May and June and it fundraises for our local community, 90 per cent of the funds stay local to support our community lunch and help disadvantaged people," he said.

"Consider what you can do to donate to the Salvos. Be mindful that a lot of the money will stay local to support our community."

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Survey results released by the Salvation Army have reported an increase in the number of Australians facing housing stress.

In the survey, 45 per cent of clients said they had to go without meals, 53 per cent missed out on necessary medical or dental treatment, and over a quarter could not afford medicine prescribed by their doctor.

The Salvation Army has also seen a six-fold increase in the number of people on wages coming to the organisation for support.

Mr Farrell said in regional Victoria the decreasing availability of rental housing had contributed to housing stress.

"Anyone homeless, or those that are facing homelessness or struggling to find any private rental places, which are in short supply at the moment," he said.

"Trying to get people into private rentals is a challenge, it is fairly rare these days. We have had some success but it is a struggle to find them."

He encouraged anyone facing financial difficulties to get in touch with the Salvation Army, or the many other crisis support groups serving regional Victoria.

"If anyone is finding themselves in trouble and are struggling, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance. You are welcome to come and see us at the Salvos, the food centre, Vinnies, there are quite a few organisations in the Wimmera to help people," he said.

To donate or get involved in the Red Shield appeal, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/get-involved/red-shield-weekend/.

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