Small businesses raised almost $150,000 through the CafeSmart scheme in August this year, with the funds going to community projects that help the homeless.
On 7 August this year 491 cafes, 27 coffee roasters and thousands of coffee drinkers helped the CafeSmart scheme raise $135,612 to fund local grassroots homeless projects. For every coffee sold cafes donated $1, coffee roasters supplied beans and customers chipped in with donations.
Across Australia, coffee heads came together to effect change in their local communities. 100% of the funds raised by CafeSmart, combined with other funds raised by StreetSmart, have now been allocated through 132 community grants totalling $151,800. Grants target helping people who are homeless or at risk, by supporting grassroots homeless services.
Adam Robinson, CEO of, said, ‘Having over 500 small businesses involved and engaged during National Homeless Prevention Week not only raised vital funds, but also created great awareness around the issue of homelessness and what people can do to help. Yet again the coffee industry has shown how generous and community-minded they are.’
‘The funding raised goes to some of our smallest, yet vital, community groups and not-for-profits, that have seen their funding stripped yet remain on the front line of service delivery,’ he added.
StreetSmart grants go to support projects local to the cafes who participated, funding a wide variety of responses to homelessness including emergency aid, food and shelter. They also go to projects that promote social inclusion, empowerment and sustainable change for people experiencing homelessness. Since 2003 the organisation has raised $3.6 million and has funded 1147 community projects.
On hearing the news of a successful grant application Julie Felus, Executive Officer at Northern Domestic Violence Service (NDVS) in South Australia, said, ‘Many thanks to those cafes who were thoughtful enough to participate in the CafeSmart campaign. The funds raised will enable NDVS to purchase food parcels for women and children fleeing domestic violence and awaiting accommodation in shelters.’
Julie went on to say, ‘The ability to provide women with supplies at the point-of-entry is pivotal to allaying concerns about basic needs for the family, especially when most are leaving home with no, or few, possessions. It not only allows women to breathe a sigh of relief, but enables a warm welcome and an opportunity for staff to engage with families and set in motion strategies to address their needs. The grant is an important contribution to front-line work and NDVS is most appreciative of community efforts.’
Visit StreetSmart Australia’s website for further information about CafeSmart, the latest grants and how the funds are distributed.
