Reaching out where people are
Vinnies Vans support thousands of people every year and connect people with the support they need beyond a meal.
We operate 13 Vinnies Vans throughout the state which provide a range of support to the community – made possible thanks to your generosity.
Each night, people come to our Vinnies Vans for a meal but leave feeling fuller through conversations and connection. They can also access referrals to services to address other challenges they may be experiencing, such as housing, health, or engaging with government assistance.
Thanks to the support of donors like you, our Vinnies Vans have made a huge impact over the last financial year:
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115,000 people supported
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230,000 meals served
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42,500 snack packs distributed
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64,000 toiletries packs distributed
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12,000 referrals to additional services
Meet Dom
Dom is a Team Leader with Vinnies Services based in Metropolitan Sydney.
As part of his role, Dom and other case workers go into the community where people access our Vinnies Vans.
Dom and his team meet with people while they’re having a meal and listen to what brought them to the service.
For some, our Vinnies Vans may be the only meal they’ll have all day. For others, being able to eat and talk to someone opens up a bigger conversation.
Our Vinnies Vans have established various community hubs across Metropolitan Sydney which allow people to access health and Alcohol and Other Drugs services, clothing, legal aid, and the Department of Communities and Justice in one central space.
By taking the time to understand the needs of each person, Dom and his team can connect them to services run by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW or refer them to other providers present at the hub.
In recent years, our Vinnies Vans have seen an increase in people seeking support, with cost of living pressures contributing to the rise.
“The nature of the people we assist has transformed so much,” says Dom.
“The common phrase ‘the working poor’ is something that we see so much. People that are coming down to our services that have worked for a day or are earning some kind of income but just need that extra bit of assistance to be able to keep going.
“It’s changed completely. We’re now assisting not only rough sleepers who are doing it tough on the streets, but also people in social housing who are struggling to get by due to the rising cost of living.
“Having the support of donors allows us to meet with people every day and make a difference in their lives. We’re so thankful for your support!”