From street to shelter

PICTURED: Rotary Club of Kenthurst President Kathleen Bray (second from left), Vocational Director Peter Bray, Pina Lombardo, Hills Transitional Housing Director Dennis van Someren and Foundation Chair Paul Rapp visited Mosman Women’s refuge in March to prepare lunch for the ladies on International Women’s Day.

How the Rotary Club of Kenthurst is tackling homelessness.

From hot meals to transitional housing, the Rotary Club of Kenthurst is proving that community-driven compassion can change lives.

Kenthurst Rotary Food Van for the Homeless

The Rotary Club of Kenthurst, NSW, has a proud tradition of community service, and one of its most impactful projects is the Kenthurst Rotary Food Van for the Homeless. The initiative provides warm, nutritious meals to those in need, ensuring no one in the local community has to go hungry.

Homelessness and food insecurity are pressing concerns throughout the region. In response, the Rotary Club of Kenthurst launched the food van with a clear mission: to offer immediate, practical assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Beyond nourishment, the van brings dignity, compassion and connection to those it serves.

The van runs entirely on community goodwill and volunteer support. Its success depends on a few key components:

• Scheduled service locations: Regular routes are established in areas where homeless and disadvantaged people gather, ensuring meals are accessible to those who need them most.
• Nutritious meal preparation: Meals are freshly prepared by volunteers, with attention to dietary needs and preferences whenever possible.
• Collaboration with local businesses: Restaurants, grocery stores and food suppliers partner with the initiative, generously donating ingredients and supplies.
• Hygiene and safety standards: All food is prepared and served under stringent health protocols.

At the core of the food van’s success is its dedicated team of volunteers. From cooking and serving to logistics and fundraising, these generous individuals embody the spirit of service.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to get involved, offering a meaningful way to give back to the community.

Since its inception, the food van has delivered countless meals and smiles to those in need. But the club is not stopping there. Future goals include expanding service routes, partnering with more local sponsors, offering additional support services such as hygiene kits, clothing and housing referrals, and acquiring a storage facility.

PICTURED: The Kenthurst Rotary Food Van for the Homeless provides warm, nutritious meals to those in need.

The Hills Transitional Housing Project

Building on its commitment to address homelessness, the Rotary Club of Kenthurst has expanded its efforts to include transitional housing solutions, with a focus on vulnerable demographics, particularly older women at risk.

In partnership with volunteers and service organisations, the club supports The Hills Transitional Housing Project. This initiative transforms available properties into secure, supportive homes, allowing older women to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

The project’s success stems from strong community partnerships. Transitional Housing works closely with groups like Wesley Mission, Hills Community Aid, The Hills Branch of Soroptimists International, other Rotary clubs in the Hills, Parramatta Mission, Women’s Community Shelters and The Older Women’s Network.

These partnerships, along with financial support and hands-on volunteering, have brought the transitional housing vision to life.

More than 110,000 women over the age of 45 in New South Wales are homeless or at risk. Causes range from domestic violence to insufficient retirement savings. The Rotary Club of Kenthurst’s proactive approach offers tangible hope to this often overlooked group.

The program seeks compassionate homeowners with vacant properties to join the initiative. Through a partnership with Wesley Mission, Transitional Housing provides secure rent guarantees, property maintenance support, peace of mind for homeowners and homes for those in need.

Food Barn collaboration with Hills Community Aid

In a further demonstration of community care, the Rotary Club of Kenthurst is collaborating with Hills Community Aid (HCA) and has established a Food Barn – Community Food Aid, which supplies food staples, breakfast and beverages as well as information and referrals to other agencies.

The Rotary Club of Kenthurst addresses immediate needs with hot meals through its food truck initiative. HCA complements this by offering long-term support including social, financial and educational programs.

Together, they are creating a holistic support system for vulnerable individuals and families throughout the Hills District.

Community support

Community support is essential to sustain these initiatives. You can make
a difference by:

• Volunteering for meal preparation, housing support or logistics
• Donating food, funds or services
• Spreading awareness within your networks
• Partnering as a business, offering supplies, discounts or sponsorships.

These initiatives are more than charity – they are lifelines. With continued support, the Rotary Club of Kenthurst will ensure that hope, dignity and kindness remain at the heart of the Hills District.

For more information, visit www.kenthurstrotaryclub.com.au