Local cafes fundraising for their community!

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What is CafeSmart?

CafeSmart is our annual coffee-led campaign that unites roasters, cafes and coffee enthusiasts around the country to fight homelessness and support those at risk in their local area. Thanks to CafeSmart, countless cups of coffee have been enjoyed for a good cause, showcasing the community driven efforts of the Australian coffee industry, and offering everyone a simple way to give back through our shared love of coffee.

How to get involved

Pay your coffee forward

This August, we’re calling for donation support to boost the funds raised by 800 cafes during our CafeSmart event. Join the coffee community in paying it forward, by donating the cost of a coffee online to help support someone sleeping rough.

Chip in online

Your coffee is helping end homelessness

This year, CafeSmart is focusing on supporting those who are sleeping rough, responding to the immediate needs of people and families who are experiencing homelessness.

Keeping things as local as possible, donations will help fund hundreds of grassroot homelessness programs across the country including:

A safe space to get support

“We help thousands of people every year through the dignity of a hot shower, café style meals as well as access to medical, mental health, law, tenancy, employment, and other services. But there is increasing demand for these services as many more individuals and families face homelessness.” – 3rd Space, QLD

Food and clothing essentials

“We are volunteer run so we don’t pay any wages but there’s still insurance and vehicle costs to cover. StreetSmart grants help us fill these funding gaps so we can keep providing meals, fresh fruit & veg, bakery, dairy, pantry, cereals, toiletries, tea & coffee, plus clothing & footwear to those facing homelessness.”- Cos We Care (SA)

Keeping people fed

“The Pantry provides food hampers to those who are doing it tough, throughout the northern suburbs of Perth. Our donations of food have decreased and at the same time the need for our support has increased. This funding helps us purchase pantry essentials and dry goods to supplement our food hampers.” – The Pantry WA

Medical outreach on the street

“Funding from initiatives such as StreetSmart’s CafeSmart campaign enables us to provide additional outreach and support for those sleeping rough and those most vulnerable in Melbourne’s CBD, supplying essential items such as sleeping bags, toiletries, water, and other necessities.” – The Living Room (VIC)

Social connection through books

“We are seeing more people struggling to make ends meet and living below the poverty line. We are seeing new cohorts of people accessing homelessness services. Homelessness does not discriminate, and neither do we – our mobile library is there regardless of age, gender, background or circumstance.” – The Footpath Library (NSW)

A safe place to sleep

“Tasmania’s housing crisis is particularly damaging for women and children. Women and children are staying longer at our Shelter as there are limited affordable housing options available. Now with our first two homes completed, and land secured to develop even more, support from CaféSmart will actively help us create more long-term homes for women and children.” – Hobart Women’s Shelter (TAS)

Laundry and showers

“Darwin has the highest rate of homelessness of any city in Australia, with an estimated two to three thousand people living rough at any one time. The Darwin mobile laundry and shower service provides free laundry, showers and non-judgemental conversation to people doing it tough throughout the Darwin region.”- Orange Sky (NT)

Coffee At Home Series

Brewing at home? As part of CafeSmart, some of our amazing roaster partners have created exclusive videos to help you master your home coffee game. If you’re testing out one of these coffee recipes, then why not consider paying your coffee forward to help support someone sleeping rough.