By MELISSA MEEHAN
HOMELESSNESS and poverty are not restricted to City limits.
In fact, these issues are just as occurring, sometimes even more prevalent, but are less visible in the suburban areas of Melbourne, including in the Yarra Ranges.
For five years, Lilydale-based Holy Fools Inc has provided unconditional care and support for people on and around the streets of Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges.
Holy Fools CEO Neal Taylor said it all started back in 2009 when there was a need for community meals in Croydon.
“I was involved as a chaplain, and we needed an identity and that’s how Holy Fools was born,” Neil said.
“We have extensive experience providing support services, and being a catalyst for social change, to people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, living in poverty, or experiencing issues of injustice.” Mr Taylor said.
“We do this through working in the areas of positive community development, social justice, homelessness, and housing.”
On Wednesdays, Neal and other volunteers provide a free lunch to the homeless in Lilydale’s Melba Park.
It only started three months ago, and already has a number of people attending.
“The idea is to provide a kind ear, friendly face and safe place,” he said.
“We’re averaging 15-16 people each week, about half of them are homeless, as in living rough, and the others are either couch surfing or sleeping under the roof of other family members.”
He said as well as providing a free barbecue lunch, Matt’s Cafe, a free community meal had served in excess of 14,000 nutritious two-course meals each Friday fortnight.
Those community meals draw an average of 70-80 people each time.
“Many of our friends who attend have been coming since we began, and we pride ourselves that we are not a soup kitchen that just feeds people, rather that we invite all these people to join us in a meal, as friends,” he said.
“Our BBQ Outreach has become a place for the homeless and others to connect and enjoy a great feed while we offer services such as Swags for Homeless and blankets when needed.
“We’re hoping to expand this work into other areas of the shire with the provision of a van.”
Mr Taylor said Holy Fools ran primarily on volunteers, donations and funding grants.
“We do a lot of homeless outreach too,” he said.
“I’ll go and see a homeless person, see them to check on their welfare and that they know what systems are out there to help them out.”
He said that there was a growing need for services like his in the hills.
“Most of the people we are dealing with are rough sleepers, but there are many more out there that we are not seeing.
Holy Fools is fully accredited as an Australian Charity,
“While we are not a church, and independent, we are based on Christian values,” he said.
“We offer unconditional love and our services to anyone who needs us, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.”
Those who wish to find out more about Holy Fools are asked to visit their website www.holyfools.org.au
