As more people slip through the social safety net, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s Vinnies Van program is bringing on the ground help and support to the homeless across Sydney.
Premier Chris Minns (second from the left) launches a new fundraising drive, with Talal Ghattas, PAYCE Foundation, Yolanda Sainz, CEO of St Vincent De Paul Society NSW, Dominic Sullivan, PAYCE Foundation, Jose Charbel, Vinnies Vans and Tony Wishart, PAYCE Foundation.
The demand for Vinnies services continues to grow, with a surprising number of families seeking help for the first time.
This comes as economic uncertainty both internationally and in Australia has never been greater.
Vinnies Vans are outreach services that provide meals and snacks, blankets, toiletries, hot beverages, and, most importantly, companionship and referrals where needed to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Vans operate across Greater Sydney and in targeted regional areas, ensuring they reach highly at-risk community members with additional wrap-around community services.
That’s why the PAYCE Foundation is a major supporter of the program, previously donating two vans valued at over $300,000 and now a further $30,000 for wrap-around services at a fundraising event launched by NSW Premier Chris Minns in Sydney.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has a well-established presence in communities all across the state and provides important relief to people through its members and services every day,” Mr Minns said recently.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact Vinnies NSW has been able to make for people in crisis and with early intervention support.”
The PAYCE Foundation’s $30,000 donation will go directly to helping people struggling to connect with critical support services.
St Vincent De Paul Society CEO Yolanda Saiz said that last financial year the Vinnies Van supported over 100,000 people.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking assistance from our van services, including people in secure employment who are reaching out due to cost-of-living pressures,” said Ms Saiz said.
“Four in five people seeking assistance from our members over the past year have requested assistance with food and this has meant we’ve needed to expand our services to meet the need that exists in the community,” said Ms Saiz.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “Social inequality and disadvantage is prolific across Sydney and NSW, and many people are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time.
“The pain felt by so many people is placing more demand on services that are also facing increasing costs.
“The Vinnies Van program is not only effective in giving people a helping hand with the essentials but connecting them with support that can help them get back on their feet and live a fulfilling life.
“That’s why the PAYCE Foundation has made this donation.”
