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Success of community meals program Matt's Place has now lead to opening a new location in Chelsea.
Anecdotal evidence suggests homeless and disadvantaged people are migrating from the traditional inner city suburbs such as St Kilda to Bayside and Frankston areas, which is in turn adding strain on existing facilities. Bayside Community Care recognises this as an opportunity to reach out to the community with care and compassion through the provision of a meal.
Matt's Place has now secured a second venue and a partnership formed with St Chad's Anglican Church in Chelsea enabling Matt’s Place to serve lunch to the community each Tuesday along with the regular Thursday lunch in Cheltenham.
Matt’s Place provides an opportunity for those in our community who are homeless, lonely, or disadvantaged to share a free hot, home cooked meal and experience warmth, friendship and connection. Over time friendships develop between guests, and also between guests and volunteers.
The objectives of Matt's Place are:
• To address the need for food security for the economically marginalised and socially disadvantaged by providing access to a hot nutritious meal
• To provide an opportunity for those who are isolated and / or lonely to connect with others
• To reflect the love of Christ in a practical and tangible manner
• And serve to bring the churches and community groups of the City of Kingston together in an expression of practical unity and co-operation as we serve our community
Matt's Place is fully staffed by volunteers who fulfil the roles of chefs/cooks, on-site coordinator, team leaders, front of house team, hospitality team and clean up team. Volunteers are now being sought for both locations.
As well as providing a regular, nutritious meal for community members, Matt’s Place has seen the development of a strong network build between Church, community and welfare organisations. Many agencies are now referring their clients to Matt’s Place and many case workers are now attending Matt’s Place on a regular basis in support of their clients. Matt’s Place also regularly provides an opportunity for care workers to identify individuals who they may be able to assist and who may have previously “slipped through the cracks”.
Providing a meal twice a week is not necessarily going to change someone’s life, however when that meal is accompanied by caring volunteers, a network of local care providers and the opportunity to make new friends, it could well be the first step towards change.
Consider being part of this amazing ministry to our community.
Contact Deborah Gates to become involved.
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