You’ve probably heard on the news about predicted wet winter Australians will experience this year. You may have also heard that the flu season has started earlier this year with experts fearing we will experience a record number of cases in 2024. 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.

Thank for your support. Together, we can provide some comfort and protection to homeless people during these cold and wet winter months.

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.

View our distribution locations.

• ONLINE – using our secure donation facility.
• CHEQUES – payable to ‘Order of Malta’ and sent to Order of Malta, PO Box 79, Caringbah, NSW 1495
• DIRECT DEPOSIT – Acc Name: Order of Malta, BSB 083 453, Acc: 44888 1897 (please email your receipt details to info@orderofmalta.org.au)
• TELEPHONE – call 02 9331 8477 during business hours (please note the office is closed at weekends)