Highways Cafe has dished up thousands of free two course dinners to the community in its first year of operation, reflecting the level of poverty in Perth.
Up to 40 volunteers meet at the Gosnells Baptist Church every Monday during the school term to prepare and serve up to 400 meals to the community.
The soup kitchen began in March last year as an outreach program for GBC.
Members of GBC raised the idea after visiting Kelmscott’s Church of Christ’s Cafe LIA.
Coordinator Suzanne Grogan described the community’s response to the program as “overwhelming”.
“We saw there was a need in the community and felt this was a good way to reach out to people and show them that someone out there cares about them,” said Mrs Grogan.
Patrons are invited to have a meal, dessert and to help themselves to a cup of tea or coffee.
Donated bread and fruit are given to patrons as they leave the church.
“When we first started we were averaging about 100 meals each Monday but the last few weeks we have been serving about 360, sometimes 400,” said Mrs Grogan.
The growth of the Cafe has raised problems such as inadequate equipment, volunteer shortages, vandalism, theft and funding issues.
The roof of the main hall collapsed two weeks ago, causing the Cafe to adopt ‘alfresco-style dining’ in the car park.
“The budget is very tight and we have to rely on outside donations to keep the place running,” said Mrs Grogan
Members from other churches have approached Mrs Grogan about starting similar programs within the area.
“It is very important for the community that there are places people can go to when they are in need whether it be financially or socially,” said Mrs Grogan.
“I rely on these places to get me through,” said Armadale resident Brian Decke, who described the Cafe as a “God-send”.
Armadale pensioner Gerry Gerhard enjoys coming to Highways Cafe because he doesn’t have to cook and it gives him a chance to socialise.
“The government should give them a grant because they’re doing a lot of good,” said Mr Gerhard.
“You’d be surprised at the amount of people who are suffering,” said Seville Grove single-mum Michelle Maley.
“Highways saves me cooking, saves me a little money and it teaches my son how community should be,” said Ms Maley.
Highways Cafe is open to the community Monday nights during the school term 5pm-7pm
Highways Cafe has dished up thousands of free two course dinners to the community in its first year of operation, reflecting the level of poverty in Perth.
Up to 40 volunteers meet at the Gosnells Baptist Church every Monday during the school term to prepare and serve up to 400 meals to the community.
The soup kitchen began in March last year as an outreach program for GBC.
Members of GBC raised the idea after visiting Kelmscott’s Church of Christ’s Cafe LIA.
Coordinator Suzanne Grogan described the community’s response to the program as “overwhelming”.
“We saw there was a need in the community and felt this was a good way to reach out to people and show them that someone out there cares about them,” said Mrs Grogan.
Patrons are invited to have a meal, dessert and to help themselves to a cup of tea or coffee.
Donated bread and fruit are given to patrons as they leave the church.
“When we first started we were averaging about 100 meals each Monday but the last few weeks we have been serving about 360, sometimes 400,” said Mrs Grogan.
The growth of the Cafe has raised problems such as inadequate equipment, volunteer shortages, vandalism, theft and funding issues.
The roof of the main hall collapsed two weeks ago, causing the Cafe to adopt ‘alfresco-style dining’ in the car park.
“The budget is very tight and we have to rely on outside donations to keep the place running,” said Mrs Grogan
Members from other churches have approached Mrs Grogan about starting similar programs within the area.
“It is very important for the community that there are places people can go to when they are in need whether it be financially or socially,” said Mrs Grogan.
“I rely on these places to get me through,” said Armadale resident Brian Decke, who described the Cafe as a “God-send”.
Armadale pensioner Gerry Gerhard enjoys coming to Highways Cafe because he doesn’t have to cook and it gives him a chance to socialise.
“The government should give them a grant because they’re doing a lot of good,” said Mr Gerhard.
“You’d be surprised at the amount of people who are suffering,” said Seville Grove single-mum Michelle Maley.
“Highways saves me cooking, saves me a little money and it teaches my son how community should be,” said Ms Maley.
Highways Cafe is open to the community Monday nights during the school term 5pm-7pm
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