Our outreach to those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
Our volunteers go out into the Yarra Ranges most days of the week, with messages from the public or the Yarra Ranges Council about a particular location or known people, or visit known locations of previous rough-sleepers seeking anyone who may be there. Wednesdays we host a nutritious lunch in Melba Park, Lilydale. Our lunch provides a delicious meal, with a focus on hospitality and community.
Our approach whether on outreach or the lunch is to be as welcoming, friendly and non-threatening as possible. We enquire about how they are going, ensuring they are safe and not a danger to themselves or others. We ask if they are connected with Anchor and are aware of their services, as well as any of the other community services such as community meals or first aid etc that they may require a referral to access.
Meanwhile, we offer material aid such as backpack beds, blankets, sleeping bags, seasonal clothing (including shoes), and non-perishable food.
Without judgement, we offer our services to anyone, as long as they are not too drug or alcohol affected that it changes their behaviour to be threatening to the safety of ourselves or the others we are trying to help.
Help us reach more into the community and provide aid to the homeless or those at risk of homelessness.
Market Street, Lilydale. Beside the Lilydale Swimming Pool.
Holy Fools’ Street Angels have been serving a complimentary nutritious and delicious lunch every Wednesday for almost 5 years. Our volunteers’ set-up a hospitable space under a beautiful elm tree and offer lunch prepared by our amazing volunteers.
This is also an opportunity for services such as Anchor and Eastern Health to provide care for those attending.
Join us for our 5th annual Christmas Day Lunch!
Our Christmas Day lunch is open to anyone in our local community, particularly to those who are homeless or would typically be spending the day alone. Doors open at 11:45 am for light refreshments, with the main Christmas meal served at 12:30 pm.
Tasty Az helps provide the meal, which includes the usual Christmas treats including roast lamb and pork, chicken, ham, roast potatoes, vegetables and salads. We also serve Christmas puddings, fruit salad and other treats. We provide plenty of entertainment on the day, including carols, face painting, kids activities, a Christmas photo booth, our world-famous Christmas Trivia and of course a visit from Santa or his helpers with gifts for the children.
Our lunch is free, but bookings are essential.
There are limited opportunities for volunteers. Applications for volunteering will open in October.
If you’re interested in supporting in any way, either through a donation of gifts or finances, please contact us via email at info@holyfools.org.au
Help us to provide a delicious three-course Christmas Lunch for 100’s of people each year!
Proving food-relief over the Christmas break.
For people on a low income, whether homeless or not, this is especially true. Many are experiencing unemployment, reduced work hours, mental health or physical health issues, increased rental or housing costs, and often struggling with the cost of living.
Each year, we gift Christmas Hampers for struggling families in conjunction with other organisations in Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges.
In 2017, we shared over 100 hampers
In 2018, we shared over 120 hampers.
In 2019, we shared over 130 hampers.
From mid-November, we start calling for donations of items for the hampers. We invite you to join us in making a difference in people’s lives by donating items for the hampers.
Details for donating goods can be found on our Facebook page.
Usually held a week or so before Christmas, hamper-packing is a great way to get involved and have fun with others!
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made with in the yarra ranges, victoria, australia • get our emails
Holy Fools Inc acknowledges our Creator as well as the traditional custodians of the land that we work and play on, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging. We strive to do all we can to care for this land as we work for reconciliation and justice.
