People who want to donate their time or resources can contact one of the below groups directly. Many of these organisations offer training and, in most instances, experience is not a prerequisite to help.
The following directory includes organisations that help people who are experiencing homelessness.
- Website: BaptistCare HopeStreet
- Phone: 02 8061 1500
- Email: [email protected]
Volunteer opportunities are limited, but please enquire to help in:
- op shop
- cafe
- youth centre
- women's space
- Sunday breakfast and church.
Or, if you have qualifications/experience in skills such as art, craft, sewing, gardening or music, please let us know.
Applications and descriptions are available online. Volunteering involves a few steps including interview, police check (and working with children check for youth work) induction and ongoing reviews. BaptistCare also accepts non-monetary donations including:
- non-perishable items (tinned food), long life milk, tea, coffee, noodles
- good clean blankets, sways, sleeping bags.
- Website: Counterpoint Community Services
- Phone: 02 9698 9569
- Email: [email protected]
Periodic/ad hoc volunteering opportunities to assist in community events and run weekly community social-based activities.
Donated items that we would find useful include: Stationery other school equipment, toys/presents for children for holidays season, gifts/hygiene products/small household items for underprivileged community members.
- Website: Deadly Connections
- Phone: 18004USMOB (1800 487 662)
- Email: [email protected]
Deadly Connections is an Aboriginal Community Controlled, not-for-profit organisation. Its purpose is to build stronger and safer families and communities by driving individual, social and systemic change through a multi layered approach of providing prevention, intervention and diversionary solutions, systemic/individual advocacy and raising community awareness through education.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Deadly Connections relies on the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Please check out our website for more information on volunteering opportunities and submit an application form if you are interested in supporting our work and becoming an Accomplice.
Monetary donations or donations of gift cards allow us to continue to resource our programs that provide healing opportunities for First Nations people. Our website provides a direct link for donations and we also do regular drives for specific items that are needed so please email us for more information.
- Website: Foodbank
- Email: [email protected]
Foodbank is Australia’s largest food relief organisation, operating on a scale that makes it crucial to the work of the front line charities who are feeding vulnerable Australians. Foodbank provides more than 70% of the food rescued for food relief organisations nation-wide. See our website for further details about volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.
- Website: HammondCare Darlinghurst
- Phone: 0466 295 502
- Email: [email protected]
HammondCare Darlinghurst is a 42-bed residential aged care home for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It provides permanent accommodation to those who have high level or complex care needs.
Volunteer opportunities exist for those wishing to be involved in social engagement with residents. Further opportunities exist for those would like to contribute to coffee making, arts, music, bus driving etc.
For good donation, we are looking for some newspaper, magazine, CDs, books, plants, flower donation.
Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Shirley Cheng, for more information.
- Website: Jordan Cafe – Newtown Mission
- Phone: 02 9519 9000
- Email: [email protected]
The Jordan Cafe has a range of volunteer opportunities on Tuesday afternoon and throughout the day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Roles include creating food parcels, sorting clothes, and other community workshop support. We also kindly accept donations.
- Website: Kids Giving Back
- Phone: 02 8599 5595
- Email: [email protected]
We provide hands-on, age appropriate, volunteering opportunities for young people ages 6-18. Our mission is to create the next generation of generosity, our vision is to create a better more accepting society, based on empathy and understanding. We offer a range of opportunities for kids in the school holidays, families on the weekends, schools and corporates during the week, to give back and support the homeless and vulnerable individuals.
- Website: Lillian Howell Project Inc
- Email: [email protected]
Summary about volunteer roles: ‘The vision of Lillian’s is to be a safe and empowering environment for young women to flourish'. The Lillian Howell Project (Lillian’s) is a specialist homelessness service providing medium to long term 24 hour, on-site gender specific supported housing for up to 13 young women and girls from the age of 13 to 17 years.
Lillian’s aim is to provide these young women, who are survivors of child sexual abuse, neglect or family violence, with a stable and non-judgemental environment. Opportunities are available for a variety of skilled volunteers in various areas of the refuge such as a handyperson, gardening, cooking, cleaning and tutoring.
Summary about what donations would be useful: monetary donations allow us the flexibility to be able to provide house outings for the girls on occasion, such as movie and dinner nights. Other donations such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes are also welcome.
- Website: Lou’s Place
- Phone: 02 9358 4553
- Email: [email protected]
Lou’s Place is Sydney’s only daytime refuge for women. We’re a drop-in centre that offers a range of frontline support services including crisis intervention, referrals and access to basic needs such as food, toiletries, shower and laundry facilities and emergency clothing, as well as skill-building and therapeutic programs.
Lou’s Place receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of our friends, donors and corporate partners to continue our work in supporting vulnerable women. For information about donated goods or volunteering opportunities, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
- Website: Matthew Talbot Hostel – St Vincent de Paul Society
- Phone: 0466 927 418
- Email: [email protected]
Supported accommodation for men who are experiencing homelessness.
Matthew Talbot welcomes volunteers assisting with the daily breakfast, lunch and dinner dining room service, seven shifts per day in the kiosk, two shifts per week in the clothing room and with donations on an ongoing basis.
Training is provided and probity checks required. Usually a commitment of once a week for at least 6 months is required.
- Website: Milk Crate Theatre
- Phone: 0481 348 218
- Email: [email protected]
Milk Crate Theatre provides opportunities for people whose voices are under-represented to engage in artistic practice to build confidence, skills and connections; and shares bold and resonant stories to build empathy and break down barriers.
Milk Crate Theatre is always on the lookout for skilled volunteers. We are a very small team and opportunities are project-specific.
If you are interested in volunteering with us please email us with your CV, a little about yourself, projects or tasks you may be interested in working on and your availability.
You can also help us increase our impact, extend our reach and make new creative projects with our communities through a cash donation:
- $50 provides healthy snacks and beverages to Collaborative Artists during our workshops.
- $100 provides supplies and workshop materials for Collaborative Artists to document their creative process.
- $500 supports the creation of props and costumes for our workshops and performances.
- $1000 allows us to hire Support Artists for a workshop series or a film artist to document our processes.
- $5000 supports the creation of new performances and films. Professional Artists facilitate projects where participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, share stories, and engage in creative expression within a safe and supported environment.
- Website: Missionbeat – Sydney
- Phone: 1800 306 461
- Email: [email protected]
Missionbeat supports people experiencing all forms of homelessness specialising in on street support of people sleeping rough.
Good quality sleeping bags, blankets, swags and yoga mats are always needed. Thick, large sized black socks and underwear items are also regularly distributed. Clean or new mid-size back packs are also valued.
Monetary donations can be offered through Mission Australia but please ensure it is specifically directed to Missionbeat.
- Website: OzHarvest
- Email: [email protected]
OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. We are committed to halving food waste by 2030, inspiring and influencing others to so the same, and transforming lives through education. See our website for further details about how to donate and current volunteer opportunities.
- Website: Pets in the Park
- Email: [email protected]
Pets in the Park is a national charity established in 2012 with the mission of improving the lives of homeless people by caring for their pets. The charity has established monthly pop-up health clinics in Darlinghurst and Parramatta where volunteer veterinarians and veterinary nurses vaccinate, administer flea and worm treatment, and conduct basic consultations for pets owned by homeless people.
Volunteer opportunities include veterinarians, veterinary nurses, social workers and HR volunteers to help establish protocols for volunteer contact, application and induction.
All non-monetary donations of appropriate resources are accepted.
- Website: Pocket City Farms
- Phone: 0411 274 838
- Email: [email protected]
Pocket City Farms is a charity in Sydney’s Camperdown that focuses on fair food, education and community. Our urban farm and sustainability hub offers a range of volunteering opportunities on a weekly basis.
We also run an honesty stall (pay what you can afford produce) and food pantry outside the farm at 31A Mallett Street which are both regularly stocked. We welcome donations of dried pantry goods and staples at any time which can be dropped straight into the food pantry.
- Website: Rough Edges – St John’s Community Services
- Phone: 02 9360 6844
- Email: [email protected]
Non-profit community cafe that provides food, art, music and company to homeless and disadvantaged people. We’re now open 6 nights a week and 2 days for lunch. Training provided for new volunteers.
See the website for dates about information nights and a description of volunteer training.
Non-monetary donations accepted including clothing and blankets. Contact Rough Edges Community Centre before donating any goods.
- Website: SecondBite
- Email: [email protected]
SecondBite loves to receive bulk food donations that meet our needs and specifications. See our donation guidelines for more information.
- Website: Canice’s Kitchen
- Email: [email protected]
Services include daily hot lunch, homeless healthcare, mental health support, personal care items, monthly clothing service, seeking employment support, life coaching, showers, toilets, weekly washing service, monthly veterinarian service. Open 9am–12pm Monday through to Saturday. Closed public holidays.
Visit our website for all volunteer opportunities.
- Website: Story Factory
- Phone: 02 9699 6970
- Email: [email protected]
Story Factory is a not-for-profit creative writing centre that delivers workshops to young people aged 7 to 17 from under-resourced communities with a focus on storytelling and expression.
Our workshops are led by our trained educators (storytellers) with the support of our volunteer tutors.
Our programs are designed to build confidence, and creativity – essential skills young people need to shape their future.
We establish a space where young people feel safe and supported, where they have permission to be creative, and where they are excited to write.
We have the following volunteer opportunities available:
- In person workshops: we have in-person workshop opportunities available across Western Sydney. Volunteer hours fall between Monday and Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm.
- Online workshops: we run programs online Monday to Thursday afternoons from 3pm to 5:30pm during the school term.
- Behind the scenes opportunities: for volunteers who would like to do more, or who do not have the capacity to assist us with in-person or online workshops. We occasionally have opportunities available at our Redfern Centre and Parramatta Centre, or which can be done remotely.
- Website: Sydney Street Choir
- Phone: 0410 409 906
- Email: [email protected]
Sydney Street Choir aims to connect with, and inspire those experiencing homelessness through creating music, performance and passionate expression. We’re always keen to have new volunteers get involved. Roles include:
- helping manage administrative, financial, legal and marketing needs
- working with the choir – welfare support, playing instruments, singing with the choir (to help learn songs).
We’re also happy to receive clothing or other essential items.
- Website: Sydney Streetlevel Mission – The Salvation Army
- Phone: 02 9360 1321
- Email: [email protected]
The Salvation Army operates the Sydney Streetlevel Mission.
Streetlevel is a community that seeks to create a space where everyone is accepted and included no matter what their story has been in the past or is at present.
Streetlevel strives to be an inclusive environment where everyone in our community experiences a sense of belonging and a safe place to call home.
We currently have volunteer opportunities in our kitchen and op shop.
- Website: The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre
- Phone: 02 9322 4808
- Email: [email protected]
A free legal service for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 25 and under.
The Shopfront’s volunteers are mostly law students, or law graduates doing practical legal training placements. The Shopfront also take some volunteers from social work, youth work or welfare-related backgrounds.
Volunteers need to be available on a weekday for at least 1 full day (or in exceptional circumstances, half a day) per week. The Shopfront is unable to accommodate volunteers in the evenings or weekends.
Volunteers must make a commitment to regular attendance over a sustained period. You may also be required to attend an orientation and training session.
Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including answering telephone calls, taking referrals from potential clients, legal research, drafting and filing court documents, analysing evidence and preparing submissions.
Prospective volunteers should email us with details of their availability and why they are interested in volunteering at The Shopfront, with a brief resume attached.
- Website: Thread Together
- Email: [email protected]
Looking to make a difference to people and the planet? Volunteer with us
The work we do at Thread Together is really quite simple but requires a lot of team work. We rely heavily on the support of our corporate and community volunteers to help deliver our service to people in need.
We are always looking for more superstar volunteers who are motivated to make a difference to the lives of people doing it tough. By volunteering at Thread Together you will be helping people in crisis all over Australia and ensuring that brand new clothing remains in circulation.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud” – Maya Angelou
- Website: Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW
- Phone: 02 8594 9555
- Email: [email protected]
Support services for LGBTIQA+ people. Volunteers assist with:
- Programs for young people (under 26): group volunteers and drop-in volunteers work directly alongside young people (although not in a therapeutic or counselling sense) either in our drop-in space or through group activities, supported by paid staff.
- Projects and events: some volunteers help with occasional one-off events like information stalls, fundraisers, working bees or other projects.
Twenty10 also has a volunteer board responsible for strategic oversight, planning and governance.
- Website: Vinnies Connect
- Email: [email protected]
Vinnies Connect is a program which matches community members, who are in need of guidance and support, with a mentor in order to help achieve their goals. Many people in the community experience loneliness and social isolation. They do not have someone in their life who can listen and help the make the right decisions to support their confidence, quality of life and level of community involvement.
They may have goals such as:
- Connecting more with community
- Developing some creative skills
- Having someone to talk to
- Meeting people in the local community.
As a Vinnies Connect mentor you will be matched with someone of your choice, with whom you can meet regularly (weekly or fortnightly) for a period of 12 months. During this time, progress, but not completion, may be made on a large goal. Equally, many smaller goals may be able to have been achieved.
This role represents an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of an individual. In doing so, it builds strength and resilience of the community.
To do this role you will need to be positive and patient. You may possess some skills specific to the needs of an individual but, most importantly, you are there to listen, guide and empower someone to take decisions and actions which will enrich their life. You will receive mentoring training. This volunteering opportunity is flexible and can fit into any lifestyle.
- Website: Wayside Chapel
- Phone: 02 9581 9100
- Email: [email protected]
Wayside Chapel provides unconditional love, care, support and essential services for people experiencing homelessness and social isolation in Sydney. Wayside Chapel provides access to hygiene facilities and other basic needs. Visitors to Wayside Chapel can access Care Coordination for more complex needs. Wayside has a low-cost café where all visitors are welcome.
Volunteers generally participate in:
- Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- low-cost cafe
- community services centre
- Wayside Op Shop
- gardening on the rooftop
- fundraising events
- administration.
All potential new volunteers must create a profile in our volunteer system and attend a Volunteer Induction. Once you have a volunteer profile, you’ll be kept up to date on when the inductions will occur.
- Website: Weave Youth & Community Services
- Phone: 02 9318 0539
- Email: [email protected]
Established by and for the community in 1976, Weave is a not for profit, place-based community organisation located on Gadigal and Bidjigal land in Sydney. Our purpose is to empower people to change their lives.
We provide a range of programs and supports for children, young people, women and families that have been developed alongside the community. Weave has a 45 track record and strong connections, experience and trust across the communities we service. Around 70% of people we support are Aboriginal people.
Weave’s suite of holistic services and programs include:
- skills-based recreational programs for vulnerable children to help them build resilience and stay at school
- free tutoring and mentoring for children
- support for young people with coexisting mental health issues and alcohol and drug addictions
- support for women and children to be free from DFV
- a free driving program
- intensive post-release support for Aboriginal people leaving prison
- creative events that connect people and break down social isolation.
People who are interested in volunteering at Weave Youth and Community Services can check the website.
- Website: Welfare Rights Centre
- Phone: 02 9211 5389
- Email: [email protected]
The Welfare Rights Centre is a not-for-profit organisation and community legal centre. We provide free legal advice and representation to thousands of NSW residents every year who are adversely affected by Centrelink decisions. The centre also provides education to improve knowledge and understanding about social security law in the community. The centre uses the knowledge and experience it gains through casework to advocate for reforms to the law and policy that would make the system fairer for everyone.
Volunteers are generally made up of law students and interested members of the community. Duties include administrative work, taking client instructions over the phone on intake shifts, legal research and if appropriate minor casework (under the instruction of a solicitor).
Please refer to the website of the Welfare Rights Centre for more information about volunteer opportunities.
- Website: Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre
- Phone: 02 9319 4088
- Email: [email protected]
WAGEC offers a range of crisis assistance services including both short and medium term accommodation, emergency assistance via our Central Support Office and specialised domestic and family violence support. For volunteer and donations information please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
