Provide warmth and comfort this winter. Buy them a Coat

You’ve probably heard on the news about the forecast wet weather we expect to experience this winter and the early start to the Australian flu season with unprecedented levels of influenza cases already confirmed this year. This paints a particularly grim outlook for the vulnerable homeless community.

Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated homeless figures. Shockingly, as many as 1 in 200 Australians find themselves without a safe place to sleep at night. Half of all people who request accommodation from the homeless service system are turned away each day, due to a lack of beds. This leaves them extremely vulnerable.

Imagine spending even one night outside in the torrential rain, without so much as a coat to keep you warm and dry.

For those sleeping rough out in the cold every night, their bodies are working harder to regulate their temperature and maintain heat. Being on the street can cause a lot of serious health issues.

The ‘Coats for the Homeless’ program became a national project of the Australian Association of the Order of Malta in 2011. Every winter since, Coats have been manufactured and distributed across the country to protect the homeless from the winter weather.

The project has also evolved to include the distribution of socks, and care packs containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and anti-bacterial wipes. These items help protect the homeless from illnesses like COVID-19, flu, oral decay and trench foot, to which they are susceptible.

We have already received numerous enquiries from the homeless asking about our distribution locations. The ongoing overwhelming demand for this program clearly illustrates the urgent need for this project. The only issue currently limiting the number of Coats and packs we are able to distribute is a lack of funds

Our unique hooded coat has been designed in close consultation with the homeless, to ensure it meets their specific needs. It is three-quarter length, shower-proof, quilted and warm with comfortable Velcro fastenings that don’t dig in when the wearer sleeps. It is also easy to walk in or carry during the day and has secret pockets inside to hold a few valuables.

We are asking for your support today so we can continue to provide Coats for the Homeless and care packs to people who are homeless, giving them some respite and protection from the winter weather.

A gift of as little as $100 will buy three specially designed, warm, shower-proof coats for people who find themselves without a home this winter, keeping them warm and dry.

Gifts $2 and more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers.

Other ways to donate

• Direct Deposit:​
  • The Order of Malta
  • BSB 083-453
  • Account number: 448 881 897
  • Description : Coats 
  • Email info@orderofmalta.org.au your details so we can issue you a receipt

 

• Post:​
  • Cheques payable to ‘The Order of Malta‘
  • sent to ‘The Order of Malta, PO Box 79, CARINGBAH, NSW 2229’

 

• Phone:​
  • Calling 02 9331 8477
  • Please note the office is closed on weekends.