Across Australia, more older people are being pushed into housing insecurity and homelessness
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CafeSmart brought us together throughout Homelessness week, using coffee and community action to raise an incredible $201,000 for local grassroots organisations.
Back in August, a record-breaking 823 cafes, 51 roasters, and thousands of coffee lovers came together to take action against homelessness in their communities. A massive thank you to everyone who got involved and contributed to the CafeSmart pot. We are now busy collecting, mapping, and distributing donations to support local homelessness services, with recipient announcements coming in the following months. But as we close out another amazing year, we’re giving a huge shoutout to our incredible coffee community for making it all possible!
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.
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 recent Winter Appeal raised funds to help vulnerable Australians experiencing homelessness, poverty and rental stress. Thanks to those donors, supporters, corporates and philanthropists who took part in the appeal – your collective efforts have meant $180,000 in housing support and food relief for those facing 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.
Besser Kitchen & Brew Bar on CafeSmart campaign day, 2016
Danielle Mann is co-owner of two of Darwin’s first specialty coffee cafes – Besser Kitchen & Brew Bar and Laneway Speciality Coffee. Both premises serve up high-quality Campos Coffee and are among CafeSmarts most committed participants.
Danielle has been a part of CafeSmart for six years, first joining us when she was operating a cafe in Sydney. “When I moved back to Darwin, getting our new cafes on board with CafeSmart was one of the first things we did. Even though is a national campaign – you know that it is supporting people in your own backyard and that is really important.
In our area, we have supported two projects that support women and children escaping domestic violence. That is such important impact, and small grants can make a big difference.”
Up North, our CafeSmart grants support the Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter and Dawn House. The Northern Territory has the highest rates of domestic violence in the country, which is why our grants are lending a hand to the work these organisations do. Last year Dawn House supported 500 families in their crisis and transitional housing and our CafeSmart grant helped to fund their children’s school holiday program.
Susan Crane from Dawn House said a bit of fun can make a big difference to children experiencing crisis. “Most of the mother’s we see are on income support, so they would not normally be able to access these types of programs. For children recovering from trauma, getting out of the shelter to go skating and have a bit fun is really positive.”
When CafeSmart sign-up time rolls around each year, Danielle’s two premises are the first to populate our map of participating cafes. She explains that it’s an opportunity to raise funds, awareness, and to be a little creative in supporting the local community.
“CafeSmart is a great way to get raise awareness, involve customers, and it’s a great uplifting event for the staff too. This year, I think we’ll get everyone dressed up in the bright CafeSmart yellow.”
Although her two busy cafes are among the top fundraisers – Danielle is keen to drum up more support for the CafeSmart cause in the Darwin area.
“Darwin is a such a small place, so I know lots of the other cafe owners personally. Through those personal connections and talking about what our cafes are doing – I hope to encourage another 10 cafe’s in Darwin to come on board and raise $5000 for our area.”
One of the humbling things about CafeSmart is that it is a nationwide campaign, driven by local people who care about their community. I asked Danielle what drives her commitment to the campaign.
“The stigma around homelessness doesn’t really match the reality – homelessness can impact anyone. I just want to do what I can, and I think CafeSmart is a simple way to do that”
We will be bringing you more #LocalHero stories in the coming weeks – from cafes big and small.
You can #HelpYourHood this #CafeSmart campaign by signing up your café, or looking for your local this August 4.
CafeSmart is a campaign built on the energy and commitment of the coffee industry around Australia. Campos Coffee have been a CafeSmart Roasting Partner for six years, and have taken out our Coffee Roaster Award for the last three.
With this year’s campaign rounding the bend, I caught up with Campos Director Rafael Bartowski about what CaféSmart means for their business. Read More
