Hannah Hammoud
Not-for-profit charity Inspire Hope has been supporting people in Brimbank experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough for the past three years.
Founder of the charity, Tamara Carr said the best way to describe the community she has helped cultivate is by likening it to a much-loved Sunday dinner.
Armed with a team of dedicated volunteers, the charity provides support to those in need, from hot meals, to haircuts – the helping hand stretches far.
Every Wednesday Inspire Hope hosts a free lunch for those experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough at the Tin Shed in St Albans, from noon-2pm, as well as a regular fortnightly lunch in the carpark at 95 Alfrieda Street, St Albans, from 1.30-3.30pm.
“It feels like family, like Sunday dinners with the family. That’s what it feels like for me every time we all turn out,” Ms Carr said.
“People can come and have a hot meal and a conversation in a safe space. On Sundays we often have donations of clothes, toiletries, groceries, and we also partner with Orange Sky who offer a free laundry service while they sit and have something to eat.”
Ms Carr founded the charity in 2020, and since then it has transformed into it’s own community.
“This is one of the safest and non-judgemental places where people can authentically be themselves, be loved, and also feel that they are part of the community and not separated because of their circumstances,” she said.
“We care, we’re interested in what’s going on in your life throughout the week and not just providing a hot meal.
“We all need a place to belong. We can’t heal, or change, or grow if we don’t have a really supportive community around us.”
Hannah Hammoud
