UnitingCare West has received a $36,600 grant to kick start their Care for a Cup program.
Camera IconUnitingCare West has received a $36,600 grant to kick start their Care for a Cup program. Credit: Supplied/Supplied.

Care for a Cup: UnitingCare West lands grant to help homeless find employment

Jessica WarrinerEastern Reporter

A MOBILE coffee cart with a difference has been boosted with a $36,600 grant.

UnitingCare West’s Care for a Cup program will be staffed by people experiencing homelessness, helping them gain skills and experience for employment in the hospitality industry.

A cheque was presented by Community Sector Banking at the Tranby Centre on Thursday, as part of their Social Investment Grants.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

UnitingCare West chief executive Amanda Hunt said in the first phase, eight people experiencing homelessness and two project supervisors would receive barista training to operate the cart.

“It will not only increase the employability of those involved, but also build greater connections to their community,” she said.

“This initiative supports our renewed focus on giving people a hand up as opposed to simply a hand out, where they are connected with opportunities.”

Community Centre Banking chief executive Andrew Cairns said he was delighted to support the cause.

“UnitingCare West’s use of a social enterprise to help people experiencing homelessness find a sustainable path to employment is commendable,” he said.

The grant will help pay for the coffee cart, machine, coffee cups and other resources required for the program, with free barista training from Leaf Bean Machine and design support from Gatecrasher Advertising.

Almost 9000 people experience homelessness in WA on any given night, with around 200 visiting the Tranby Centre every day the doors are open.