For those we serve at our food services and through our volunteer Community Care teams, we are acutely aware that the homeless are more vulnerable than ever this winter.

At the beginning of the pandemic, in addition to distributing our specially designed Coats for the Homeless across Australia, our teams of volunteers also assembled and distributed Hygiene Packs to help protect rough sleepers during this difficult time.

With soaring infection rates and unprecedented rainfall, demand for our Coats for the Homeless and Hygiene Packs amongst the homeless community show no signs of abating.

The Order of Malta is committed to continue assisting the homeless face the health challenges that both winter, the rain and COVID-19 present.

Our unique hooded coat provides some comfort to those without a bed or a home. It has been designed by the homeless, for the homeless and is shower-proof, quilted and warm. It also has large internal pockets that can keep valuables and other items safe and dry. In addition to providing some comfort to the wearer it also protects against health problems that can occur from exposure to the elements, to which the homeless are extremely vulnerable.

With demand on homeless shelters and services exceeding capacity, our Coats for the Homeless, distributed by our growing Order of Malta Volunteer teams are a vital resource for the homeless across the country.

Our Hygiene Packs containing facemasks, anti-bacterial wipes, personal hygiene items and warm socks have been in high demand throughout the pandemic. Rough sleepers tend to have more existing health issues than the general population, therefore making them a high-risk group requiring the most protection. However the costs of the consumable items, such as masks and wipes, are often prohibitive for most homeless, yet they have the greatest need for them. The socks we include in the packs are also one of the most popular items we distribute, as they frequently replace threadbare or wet pairs.

This winter, we ask you give what you can so that we can assist the homeless who do not have resources to protect themselves.

 – A gift of $100 could buy three of our specially designed, warm, shower-proof coats.

 – A gift of $200 could buy 40 Hygiene packs to help protect the homeless.

Please support us and give what you can.

Make a tax deductible donation to our Coats for the Homeless project

Thank you for your support. Together, we can help the homeless in our communities during these unprecedented times.