CafeSmart is StreetSmart’s annual coffee industry led event that unites hundreds of roasters, cafes and coffee lovers around the country to fundraise for their local grassroots homeless charities.
In September 2022, The Commons South Yarra opened their doors to StreetSmart, since this time, they have been hard at work to widen their operation and support those at risk of experiencing homelessness across Australian communities. Our South Yarra members, StreetSmart believe "everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home". By raising funds and supporting smaller grassroots organisations, they have been able to help over 13,500 vulnerable people, by supplying them with 29,000+ sleep kits made up of sheets and towels and over 10,000 nutritious meals cooked and distributed.
Founded by Adam Robinson in 2003. While working at a small youth service in Dandenong, Adam gained first-hand experience of the vital work of grassroots organisations, embedded in their local communities, and the many barriers to funding that they face. The aim of founding StreetSmart was to play the unique role of simultaneously raising vital funds for these important smaller local organisations, strengthening them through collaboration, whilst connecting them to their community and helping break down inaccurate prejudices about people experiencing homelessness. These smaller organisations provide vital frontline services, but often struggle with a lack of resources. Community based organisations are an important part of StreetSmarts social safety net. In collaboration with many partners their mission is to lend a helping hand and empower social change.
"Celebrating 20 years of good food, good people and the collective fight against homlessness in Australia"
In April of this year, StreetSmart hosted their 20th Anniversary of DineSmart with an amazing dinner event which helped raise $176,723. The amount raised was then distributed across 32 community partners across both Victoria and New South Wales, with 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and live auctions on the night being donated to DineSmart. These funds helped to support training and employment programs for vulnerable people.
The event brought together six of DineSmarts long-standing and loyal supporting partners in Melbourne for a night of wine pairings and signature dishes.
- Alejandro Saravia, Executive Chef at Victoria by Farmer's Daughters
- Nathan Toleman, Founder of The Mulberry Group
- Dan Sawansak, Head Chef at Dessous
- Nabila Kadri, Head Chef at Supernormal
- Sean Kierce, Restaurateur behind Ladro
- Simon Denton, Restaurateur behind Izakaya Den 2029
“It’s been a challenging time for vulnerable people as flooding, the increasing cost-of-living and worsening housing crisis place thousands in rental stress, financial hardship, and housing insecurity. With the generous support of The Commons South Yarra, we have been able to respond quickly and support hundreds of frontline community organisations over these past eight months. Thank you for helping to take action against homelessness and ensure that our most vulnerable community members are supported”
Geoff Hills, CEO StreetSmart Australia
Community is central to our mission, and we know that our community can extend beyond our doors. For this reason, every year we offer multiple membership scholarships within our spaces and have plans to widen our reach as we grow.
Some of our scholarship members include Challenges Abroad, The One Million Women, Co Ground, Ovarian Cancer Australia, Sustainable Table and more.
Today, The Commons Scholarship Program has contributed $1,070,180 to organisations committed to changing the world.