More people are using GoFundMe to help with basic necessities

GoFundMe saw a sharp uptick this year in the number of people using it for help covering the cost of housing, food and other day-to-day expenses

The fundraising website GoFundMe saw a sharp uptick this year in the number of people using the platform for help covering the cost of housing, food and other day-to-day necessities, according to the company’s annual analysis of campaigns.

GoFundMe's self-published “Year in Help” report found that the number of campaigns launched to assist people with rent, utilities and groceries climbed 20% over the previous year. The platform’s fastest-growing category was “Charity,” followed by “Monthly Bills.”

GoFundMe’s analysis underlines growing worries across the U.S. about affordability. In recent months, some economists and lawmakers have sounded alarms about softer wage growth for lower-income workers, declining consumer confidence and tepid hiring.