Over the past 15 years, a $2.2 million movement has been building within the coffee and cafe industry. And it’s helping tackle homelessness. Founder of the CafeSmart campaign that is run annually by StreetSmart Australia, Adam Robinson reflects on a decade and a half of impact, good coffee, and social change.
In August, as part of Homelessness Week, cafes across Australia turned into hubs of community action, raising funds to support those in their local area who are facing homelessness. CafeSmart 2024 showcased the incredible community-driven efforts of the Australian coffee industry, uniting 50 roasters, 800 cafes, an incredible network of industry sponsors, and of course thousands of coffee lovers and cafe goers in taking action on homelessness.
CafeSmart 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. With the support of 50 roasters, 800 cafes, and countless coffee lovers nationwide, the energy, enthusiasm, and generosity have been truly inspiring. As we wrap up another remarkable year, it’s time to celebrate the incredible contributions of our coffee community.
Across Australia during Homelessness Week, 717 cafes, 44 roasters, and countless communities were coming together over their favourite brew to take action against homelessness. This incredible collective effort in August has helped us distribute a total of $147,585 across 133 frontline organisations that are supporting our most vulnerable. Such a vital, local impact across so many regions in Australia is a testament to the enthusiasm and support of the roasters, cafes, sponsors, and of course, coffee lovers involved.
Our annual CafeSmart campaign is a mere 2 weeks away and with hundreds of Cafe’s across the country getting ready to don their windows in yellow and start fundraising, we reflect on the power of this community led fundraiser in creating real change for people at risk or experiencing homelessness.
Our annual CafeSmart campaign is a mere 2 weeks away and with hundreds of Cafe’s across the country getting ready to don their windows in yellow and start fundraising, we reflect on the power of this community led fundraiser in creating real change for people at risk or experiencing homelessness.
Across Australia during Homelessness Week, over 600 cafes, 50 roasters, and countless communities were coming together over their favourite brew to take action against homelessness. This incredible collective effort in August has helped us distribute a total of $159,000 across 130 frontline organisations that are supporting our most vulnerable. Such a vital, local impact across so many regions in Australia is a testament to the enthusiasm and support of the roasters, cafes, sponsors, and of course, coffee lovers involved.
Community Care Volunteers
Our CafeSmart event takes place during Homelessness Week (1st -7th August), and it’s more important than ever this year as the cost-of-living surges, and local homelessness services are swamped by people seeking help. This is why our small community grants are vital for funding Emergency Relief, Food Relief, and Material Aid Programs, to offer immediate financial support to those in crisis.
Read more about your impact… Read More
Back in December, our loyal restaurateurs and their staff led the 19th year of DinerSmart, chatting with customers and advocating for a world without homelessness. Thanks to their fundraising efforts and everyone’s generosity the event raised $84,250 that has just been distributed across 26 community partners!
Back in August, 285 Cafes and 45 Coffee Roasters partnered up for CafeSmart 2021, an incredible effort during lockdowns and difficult times for the industry and our communities. This week, due to everyone’s generosity, we have been able to make 96 community grants, valued at $169,000 to support people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
StreetSmart is an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace that values diversity of expression. We know that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and we partner with organisations that work to support people in need, without discrimination or prejudice.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands on which our organisation is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. StreetSmart is committed to honouring Indigenous peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
StreetSmart is an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace that values diversity of expression. We know that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and we partner with organisations that work to support people in need, without discrimination or prejudice.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands on which our organisation is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. StreetSmart is committed to honouring Indigenous peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
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