After completing a Diploma of Community Welfare and volunteering at The Dining Room in Croydon (and helping set up Vive Cafe), our founder, Neal Taylor, saw that people needed more than just a meal. They needed someone to walk alongside them through every challenge.
Working as a chaplain, Neal found himself not just sharing food, but also supporting people at court, police stations, and hospitals—helping them navigate complex systems. Holy Fools was first created as a simple insurance framework, but quickly became a driving force for change and advocacy in our community.
With the support of the Salvation Army, Holy Fools helped open the Lilydale Drop-In Centre—a haven and “third place” for many facing homelessness and isolation. Alongside his wife Jennifer and a team of passionate volunteers, Neal launched ‘Matt’s Cafe’, a men’s group, art projects, and more. Even after the centre’s closure, Holy Fools found ways to keep the spirit alive, continuing ‘Matt’s Cafe’ for six more years and seeking new opportunities to serve.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Holy Fools stepped up. We were the only agency in our region consistently reaching out to rough sleepers during the lockdowns, ensuring no one was left behind. Our commitment to community never wavered, even in the toughest times.
In May 2025, we opened Felix House to the public—a welcoming drop-in centre in Lilydale where people experiencing homelessness or hardship can find showers, laundry, meals, lockers, referrals, and a safe space. Felix House is more than a building; it’s a community built on trust, inclusion, and hope. Here, everyone is treated with respect, and everyone matters.
In 2013, Holy Fools became a registered charity, and our impact has only grown since then. Our Street Angels outreach, community meals, advocacy, and educational talks keep us connected and responsive to local needs. From Neal’s kitchen table to our current home at Felix House, we’ve stayed true to our grassroots spirit—powered by volunteers and the kindness of our supporters.
A proud milestone: In 2025, Holy Fools was honoured as the Yarra Ranges Australia Day “Community Group of the Year.”
As the needs in our community grow, so does our commitment. We’re here to restore dignity, offer practical help, and champion hope—one person at a time. But we can’t do it alone. 💚