EVIDENCE of more difficult economic times hitting Ballarat was supplied last week by UnitingCare.The charity, an agency of the Uniting Church, provided housing help to 5872 people in 2007-2008. That represented an increase of more than 20 per cent on the people it assisted in 2006-2007.Those needing help were having trouble paying rent or finding an affordable property to rent.A shortage of rental properties can often lead to higher rent prices, compounding the housing problem.According to the State Government, people who might once have occupied homes in the private rental market have been forced by rising rental prices to look for a public housing alternative.For the families who have had to sell up or had their homes repossessed, the fall in interest rates last week did not come soon enough.While UnitingCare has been busy helping out people with housing, the charity's actions are treating the symptoms of the housing problem. Part of the solution lies in the building of more public housing.There are 789 Ballarat families on a waiting list for public housing, a number that is growing. And yet again, the number on Ballarat's list exceeds those in Bendigo (614) waiting for a home.Comments made by the Housing Minister Richard Wynne last week suggest action is being taken. It appears most of the effort in terms of building activity will be on Melbourne's fringes. That is where the need is probably greatest, but the regions should not be overlooked.While more homes have been added to Ballarat's public housing stock and the government committed more than $500 million to build public housing in last year's budget, the number of families on the waiting list has continued to rise.Still time for thief todo the right thingWHOEVER stole money earmarked for charity from Loreto College will have had time to reflect on their crime over the weekend.With some luck, the time for contemplation will have led to a realisation that the $1500 should be returned to the school, which intended to give at least some of the money to the Ballarat Cancer Research Centre.If the money has not been spent, there is an opportunity for the thief or thieves to right the wrong.