News
2 October, 2024
‘Just the tip of the iceberg’
Organisers of free meal services in Moreton Bay say homelessness and financial struggles are far worse than most people realise.
The volunteer-run service, Eats 4 The Streets, has provided thousands of meals since launching its first Lunch on the Lakes event in May this year.
Founder Michael Cox said it was clear from the very first BBQ just how vital the service was for the community.
Held every Saturday at Centenary Lakes, the BBQ serves about 235 meals weekly, with at least 100 regulars.
The service attracts a diverse group of people, many struggling to make ends meet.
“We started with the goal of feeding the homeless, but it quickly became clear that it’s not just the homeless who are suffering,” Mr Cox said.
“Many families are barely getting by with rent hikes, sacrificing food to keep a roof over their heads.
“Some have lost that roof and are now living in their cars, still working full-time and using local gyms to maintain hygiene before and after work.”
Mr Cox also highlighted the large number of elderly and isolated individuals who come for personal connection, a core mission of the charity. “For us, it’s about showing love to those who don’t feel loved. It’s about shining a light in the darkness and recognising those who feel invisible,” he said.
The idea for Eats 4 The Streets was born while Mr Cox volunteered with the Emerge Church in Morayfield, delivering meals to over 30 homeless people.
After discussing the needs of the homeless community with those people, he designed a program to better serve them.
“Monday nights are about entering their world, tent by tent, while Saturdays at the lakes are about bringing them into our world and treating them as equals,” Mr Cox said.
“The homelessness you see is just the tip of the iceberg.”
He stressed the importance of government funding for non-profit organisations, mentioning the recent closure of two Meals on Wheels Moreton Bay kitchens due to lack of funding.
Mr Cox personally donated the first $12,000 necessary to fund the set up of the charity, including equipment, website and the first few events. “Non-profits achieve far more than most government initiatives, and with much less funding,” Mr Cox said.
“Moreton Bay Council has made eff orts to address homelessness, so credit to them. But hopefully, the incoming government will recognise the seriousness of the issue and shift some focus away from the Olympics to address the immediate needs.”
Mr Cox is now also working on rebuilding the website, so it can be an online resource hub, listing local organisations, where they are, and what they offer.
Another local making a difference is Beau Haywood, who runs Nourish Street, serving Redcliffe, Strathpine, and Petrie.
For the past eight months, he has delivered meals five nights a week with his ute and dog, helping around 100 people every night.
His partner cooks 300 meals weekly, and two local kitchens prepare an additional 100 meals each.
As a former drug addict and someone who has experienced homelessness, Mr Haywood understands the challenges first-hand.
“Demand is huge, with people asking me to deliver further out, like Caboolture, but I can’t expand without funding,” he said.
Like Mr Cox, Mr Haywood relies entirely on donations and added, “What you see is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Anyone in Moreton and Somerset who requires housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre by calling 13QGOV or qld. gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/