StreetSmart Australia

Each Winter, we’re proud to be supporting StreetSmart Australia: a non-profit organisation supporting vulnerable people in Australia who are currently experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic & family violence.

We’ve worked with StreetSmart for many years now, supporting their CafeSmart initiative as a Roaster partner since 2015. Since we started tracking donations through our Community Initiatives Fund in 2021, we’ve donated a total of $9,181 to StreetSmart.  We look forward to supporting them again this Winter & beyond.

At StreetSmart, they’re aiming towards a future where no one is left out in the cold, one in which everyone has a safe & secure place to call home.

StreetSmart is all about making a positive impact by backing small, grassroots organisations that tirelessly support the 122,494 people facing homelessness. The donations help community-based organisations around the country who are providing vital frontline services like emergency aid, housing support, food relief, employment pathways, mental health services and much more – creating real, lasting impact for people facing homelessness.

StreetSmart are a small team with a big impact, having distributed over $14 Million in 20+ years to fight homelessness in Australia. We love that they keep it local: seeking out, supporting & partnering with small organisations in the communities where the funds are raised. Since 2003, they’ve supported 1,240 grassroots organisations, donated 159,804 SleepSafe kits & provided 316,045 SmartMeals!

Homelessness is diverse so the solutions need to be too. There are many types and causes of homelessness that make it a complex challenge – but one that isn’t unsolvable.

Domestic violence is the number one cause of homelessness for women, while men are more likely to experience chronic homelessness. Women often have young children – and nearly half of all homeless folks are under the age of 25.

A disproportionate number are indigenous, or born overseas. Facing barriers to things like employment and private rental, or lacking in strong social support networks place people at a higher risk of homelessness. This is why specialised community supports are a vital part of addressing the issue.

Homelessness is complex, with each person having a different journey. It’s often the end point to a series of life events, and despite some preconceived prejudices, those experiencing homelessness aren’t who you might think. Domestic violence (34%) and a the lack of affordable housing (54%) are the single largest contributors to homelessness. Other contributors include poor mental health, family breakdown, debt, poverty, leaving state care, or leaving prison.

CafeSmart is an awesome opportunity for the coffee community to band together & help fight homelessness!⁠⁠ Cafes pledge to donate $1 for every coffee sold on a particular Friday in August & we chip in the beans. Venues also raise extra money through donation boxes & some go the extra mile selling yellow treats & keep cups on the day, donating a portion of those sales too. Some cafes even have their front of house staff get dressed up & decorate their venues yellow….it’s a fantastic industry-wide event that we love to be part of! We’ve been a proud CafeSmart roaster partner since 2015!

Last year we ended up with 18 participating venues, who collectively donated over $2,300. The legends at Blondie raised a whopping $586.86! A great effort by all involved and we can’t wait to do it bigger & better this year!

To get your cafe involved this August, get in contact with your BDM for more info or click here to sign up!