New Loui’s Vans hits the road to assist the homeless in and around Hobart

St Vincent de Paul Society (Tas) Community and Youth Manager, Samantha Grace with St Vincent de Paul Society (Tas) CEO, Heather Kent, beside one of the new food vans.

The Minister for Community Services and Development, The Hon. Nic Street, MP has launched the second of three new food vans operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society across Tasmania.

The launch, attended by members of the Society’s State Council and Vinnies volunteers, took place in Hobart on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Loui’s Vans have been a valuable asset to the St Vincent de Paul Society in and around Hobart for many years, providing essential support to those who are experiencing homelessness or are in need. With the addition of these new vans – one in each region – the Society will be able to reach even more people across the state who require support and assistance.

The State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Mr Corey McGrath, expressed his gratitude to the Tasmanian Government for the $165,000 funding package and stressed the importance of Vinnies’ food van services.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society is incredibly grateful to the Tasmanian Government for funding for these new Loui’s and Vinnies vans across the state,” McGrath said.

“The new vans – Loui’s Vans in the South and Vinnies Vans elsewhere – will allow the Society to expand our outreach services and provide support to more people across Tasmania. They will enable our Volunteers to reach those who are most vulnerable and provide them with the essential support they require, whether it be a warm meal, a cup of coffee, clothing, advice, or just a friendly chat.

“In addition to offering food, soup, and coffee, Loui’s Vans also provides a safe and welcoming environment for the vulnerable and homeless in our communities. We believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, and we are committed to creating a sense of community and belonging when anyone visits a Loui’s Van or Vinnies’ Van,” Mr McGrath said.

St Vincent de Paul Society CEO, Ms Heather Kent, said that the Society is also grateful to the community and especially the host of volunteers who support Loui’s Vans and Vinnies’ Vans.

“Vinnies volunteers are the backbone of all of our outreach programs, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and hard work. They make it possible for us to continue our commitment to addressing food insecurity in Tasmania. Without their support, we would not be able to provide the essential Loui’s Van and Vinnies’ Vans services to so many in need,” Ms Kent said.

“We believe that by providing free meals and drinks, we can help alleviate some of the financial burden that many families are facing. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, and we’re honoured to be able to serve our community in this way.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society simply could not continue to offer such an important service without the outstanding support of the Tasmanian Government and the commitment of so many dedicated volunteers who go out on the vans in all weather conditions to serve those in need,” Ms Kent added.

MEDIA NOTES: The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris, France in 1833 by a 20-year old Italian student, Frederic Ozanam. Today, the Society operates in 153 countries and has over 800,000 members. Australia has over 60,000 members, dedicated to assisting people in need and combating social injustice. The Society started in Tasmania in 1899 when founders established a Conference in Launceston. From humble beginnings, the Society has grown to 25 Conferences within three Regional Councils across Tasmania. Each Conference undertake a variety of good works, the most recognised being the traditional Vincentian home visits and the annual CEO Sleep-out to draw attention to homelessness.

_{Media contact, Mark Wells: +61 414 015 966 (24-hours)
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