Abigail and Isabella grew up in a volatile household that was ultimately upended when their parents separated. This resulted in them moving interstate with their mother where they were isolated from family and friends.

Their situation did not improve with housing instability and anxiety levels rising. The sisters were left with no choice but to spend a period of time living out of a car.

The experience of having no fixed address saw the sisters move back to live with their father in the hope of stability. Unfortunately, what they returned to was an overcrowded apartment that offered no respite from the trauma they had endured.

Eventually the sisters were accepted for temporary accommodation which put them in touch with Vinnies.

Since then the sisters' life have stabilised and keeps getting better.

Rick, never imagined life would turn out this way. After health issues, a divorce and financial hardship he lost his home and now sleeps in his car during the week, parked near his worksite. On weekends, he retreats to an old caravan in an isolated park 25 kilometres from the nearest town where he can stretch out and get some rest.

A chance meeting with our soup vans has made a huge difference for Rick. Initially with the provision of basic needs like food and now more substantially with ongoing support.

 “I never thought hot soup could mean so much, but it did. It made me feel like someone actually cared.”

9 April - 18 May 2025

Ground Level, 20 Star Crescent, Docklands (near UNIQLO)

Open hours:     Monday to Friday - 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
                            Saturday & Sunday - 10.00 am - 6.00 pm

Come explore incredible finds, score amazing deals and experience the warm Vinnies welcome. 

Bec’s life changed forever due to her husband’s violent outbursts. Escaping from her home, Bec was battered, bruised and fearing for her life but determined to find safety even though her options were painfully limited.

With nowhere else to go, Bec – being in her mid-forties – made the tough decision to live out of her car which she felt was the safest option.

A chance encounter with one of our soup vans changed Bec's life by providing urgent essentials and then working through other issues.  

"I’m so grateful not just for the food but for the reminder that I’m not alone in this."

VincentCare's team provided a network of support to ensure Harry found stability, dignity and peace of mind.

For more than 14 years, Harry* lived in a precarious housing situation, renting a room in Brunswick West with a former colleague who owned the property. While this arrangement initially provided him with a place to stay, over time, his living conditions became increasingly difficult.

Harry faced significant restrictions in his home, such as being unable to turn on the heater in shared spaces and his privacy was frequently invaded, with his housemate entering his room unannounced. Without a formal lease or rental receipts, Harry lived in constant fear of eviction, unsure of his rights and options. His fear of standing up to his former colleague left him feeling powerless and isolated.

Established on 5 March 1854, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been providing support and assistance to people in need. Our history spans Melbourne's infancy in the 1850s to today, 170 years later.

As part of our 170th celebrations two major events were held, the Ozanam Oration and our Anniversary Mass in March and the Good Works Exhibition in May.

All these events celebrate our members and volunteers and the amazing journey of good works they been part of.

Learn more about these events: