Fressko x CafeSmart: Brewing Positive Change Together
Homelessness remains a critical social issue in Australia, affecting thousands of individuals and families across the nation, with more than 122,000 people estimated to be without a home on any given night, according to recent statistics*.
The current cost of living crisis, increasing prices for essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare along with limited access to affordable and available housing are huge contributing factors increasing the risk of homelessness along with the lack of strong social support networks. The COVID-19 pandemic made things even tougher, putting financial strain on many and increasing the demand for support services.
But who are the most vulnerable? Statistics show that homelessness affects more men than women, and the impact varies. One of the leading causes among women is domestic violence, causing many to flee with young children, while men are more likely to face chronic homelessness. Nearly half of all homeless individuals are under 25 and a disproportionate number are Indigenous or born overseas. Those experiencing homelessness also face additional health risks due to overcrowded dwellings and constant movement between insecure accommodations. What is clear is that specialised community support plays an essential role in addressing this issue.
Enter StreetSmart Australia, a non-for-profit organisation dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by homelessness. Their mission is to empower local groups and provide immediate, practical assistance to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
"We believe everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home. It is a basic human right. Ending homelessness will take a whole of community response."
StreetSmart focuses on raising awareness, mobilising community support, and providing financial assistance to small, grassroots organisations that often struggle to secure funding. Their goal is to create a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone has access to safe and stable housing.
"Through innovative campaigns we enable and empower communities to raise vital funds and awareness to bring about change for people experiencing homelessness or at risk."
One of their major activities is the fundraiser CafeSmart. An annual coffee-led campaign that unites roasters, cafes and coffee enthusiasts around the country. The concept is simple: participating cafes donate $1 from every coffee sold to StreetSmart. The funds raised are then distributed, keeping things as local as possible, with donations funding grassroot homelessness services and projects in the region including Drop-in centres, Neighbourhood centres, Women’s refuges, Family support services, outreach programs and housing programs.
"We keep it grassroots, we keep it local. We seek out, support and partner with small organisations and projects, in the communities where funds are raised."
Over the past 13 years, CafeSmart has raised and distributed over $2 million across more than 1,000 projects, showcasing the community-driven efforts of the Australian coffee industry, and this year they will return and overlap with National Homelessness Week, running from August 10-16.
In support of Cafe Smart, Fressko is back this year to raise vital funds with the Limited Edition Smiley Cup. $2.50 from the sale of every cup goes straight to Cafe Smart, helping those who need it most.
Join the thousands of others who will be sipping for a great cause this year between 10th-16th by searching for your local participating cafe or get your hands on a *smiley cup now. Only while stocks last.
* Available in Australia only.
Sources:
*https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/homelessness-and-homelessness-services