St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

Thank you to the 100 x CEOs who have already registered for the 20th Anniversary Vinnies CEO Sleepout, to raise funds and awareness for the 122,000 people across Australia facing homelessness. Those who will be sleeping out include Christine Mikhael – LJ Hooker Group, Grant Steward – Consep Pty Ltd, Paul Nicolaou – Business Sydney, Steven Raynor - Microsoft, Doug Spahn - CEO Institute and Roxanne Calder - EST10 Recruitment. While it is only one night of mild discomfort, by sleeping out you can help raise awareness and vital funds to support our homelessness services, register here: https://lnkd.in/gecmBAkg

Today marks the 17th anniversary of the National Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to reconciliation as part of our mission of a more just and compassionate society. Reconciliation is core to any aspect of spirituality. Through reconciliation, of healing and forgiveness, we are made whole through a new relationship. We believe this attitude of reconciliation, healing and building relationships is life giving and is explicitly expressed through the means of our Catholic social principles of dignity of the human person, preferential option for the vulnerable, and solidarity. Many steps have been taken in the past and many steps lie ahead as we share our stories. A journey of reconciliation cannot proceed without us expressing our deep sorrow and sincere regret for the injustices of the past. Finding common ground on reconciliation is difficult but it needs to be difficult. To say sorry and ask for forgiveness is core to humility and it is in serving in humility that we can work toward a more just and compassionate society. Learn more about our commitment to reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan: https://lnkd.in/gyzj_EJV   https://lnkd.in/gJgSpWB

It's that time of year again where the Youth Staff Network and Members get together to facilitate our biggest Youth Recruitment Drive of the Year! University Orientation ("O") Weeks are here and they are a great opportunity for new and incoming students to become acquainted with their university, its culture, and all that uni life has to offer. This year, Vinnies NSW Youth will have a presence at the following universities: 🔹UNSW 🔹University of Technology Sydney 🔹The University of Notre Dame Australia 🔹Macquarie University 🔹University of Sydney 🔹Australian Catholic University 🔹Western Sydney University 🔹University of Wollongong 🔹Charles Sturt University 🔹Southern Cross University 🔹University of Newcastle 🔹University of New England (AU) We can't wait to get to know our brand new Members and volunteers and to introduce them to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and all its good works! Learn more about the impact Vinnies Youth make by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gCWYb9Y5

Liverpool Men’s Centre, one of our housing and homelessness services, has had a fresh makeover thanks to our amazing long-time partners, Habitat for Humanity Australia From a bright coat of paint in the kitchen and living areas to a garden blitz, this refurbishment is more than just a facelift. It’s a reminder to the men who call this refuge home that they are seen, valued, and supported as they work toward brighter futures.  Nofa Winterstein, Manager of our South West Support Services, summed it up perfectly:  💬 “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Australia is much more than a home improvement project. We see how it inspires dignity and respect among the men. Not only do they benefit from improved facilities, but they also see goodwill and care shown to them by their community in a time of need.” Since 2019, Habitat for Humanity have been rolling up their sleeves to help us create welcoming spaces for the people we assist. Their wonderful volunteers embody the belief we both share: providing a hand-up, not a hand-out. The impact?  ✨ 261 people supported by Liverpool Men’s Centre last year, with over half transitioning into stable housing  ✨ Positive change felt by residents and volunteers alike - because giving back boosts wellbeing for everyone involved! And the partnership doesn’t end here. Once Liverpool’s transformation is complete, Habitat for Humanity will bring their energy and compassion to St. Jude’s refuge in Bankstown🌟 To the volunteers and staff involved in this project - thank you for showing the power of compassion and community. 

Sign up to take part in the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout and see your New Year's Resolution help others. Registrations now open: https://lnkd.in/gecmBAkg

The latest Report on Government Services data reveals the varied pressures faced by Specialist Homelessness Services. Concerningly, 40 people on average are turned away from a Specialist Homelessness Service each day in NSW. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is calling for investment in the sector to increase capacity in order to meet the demand for support and upskill staff to respond to complex needs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g77uCUaC

The Handy Women’s Workshop is a new addition to St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s inclusion programs – offering home maintenance skills and confidence to women of Woolloomooloo. Combining the technical nous of the Haberfield Men’s Shed with the inclusive community of the Ozanam Learning Centre, the Handy Women’s Workshop has been a hit among locals looking to gain skills in a supportive environment. “Gaining these skills means that we can now do so much around the house, for ourselves and each other, without having to ask for help. It’s a great feeling.” Find out more about the Handy Women’s Workshop: https://lnkd.in/guRD6Fhe

Meet Dominic, one of our frontline support workers. Dom shares his experience working with Homes NSW tenants and individuals facing homelessness. He discusses his role and the importance of early intervention. Thanks to NSW Department of Communities and Justice and Homes NSW team who created these videos to showcase the work being done to support people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across the state. Visit https://ow.ly/msOC50UITAK to watch the full video. #HomesNSW #NSWGovernment #Vinnies

Vinnies shops across New South Wales are seeing a surge in donations—along with a troubling rise in donation dumping. From household waste to spoiled seafood, the situation has become increasingly problematic. Paula McCormack, Vinnies Regional Manager of Retail, described the recent scene in Coffs Harbour to NBN Television. “We’ve seen domestic refuse, prawn heads, and seafood that’s been four or five days old. You can imagine the stench.” Vinnies volunteers are spending hours cleaning up this mess before they can begin their regular tasks, and much of the dumped product unfortunately ends up in landfill. “January [2025] has been worse than any other year,” said Ms. McCormack, highlighting the growing strain on staff and volunteers. Vinnies is asking the public to think carefully about their donations, encouraging people to only donate items they would happily give to a friend. Donations are best brought directly into their local store during business hours, where volunteers can manage them properly.