Vinnies Vans: Providing Nourishment and Hope

Our Vinnies Vans services act as a vital outreach initiative, not only providing meals but fostering social connections and hope in communities across the state.

Vinnies Vans are mobile outreach vehicles that deliver food, drinks, and essential items such as toiletries to people experiencing homelessness, financial stress, or social isolation. Operating across NSW, our vans provide a warm, welcoming environment and serve as a bridge to additional support services, helping people address their individual circumstances.

They support a diverse range of individuals, from those without stable housing to people grappling with financial difficulties. The service also addresses the growing issue of social isolation, offering a friendly face and a listening ear to those who may otherwise feel invisible in their communities.

As Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, explains:

In the past year alone, Vinnies Vans supported more than 102,000 individuals across NSW. This included serving over 95,000 meals and distributing approximately 85,000 snack and toiletries packs.

In Central Sydney, the service operates seven nights a week and has introduced daytime shifts, catering to an average of over 5,000 individuals per month. This growth reflects the rising demand for services, driven by increasing living and housing costs.

The Society has been proactive in addressing the surge in demand by expanding the program into new regions and introducing additional resources. A key innovation is the deployment of a dedicated outreach case worker, whose role is to connect individuals accessing Vinnies Vans with other services. This holistic approach helps address interconnected challenges, such as securing stable housing or accessing mental health support.

The success of Vinnies Vans relies not only on the commitment of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW but also on the generosity of donors, corporate partners, and volunteers. Through workplace giving programs, individuals and organisations can contribute directly to initiatives like our Vinnies Vans, amplifying their positive impact on local communities.