Warmth on wheels

By Lia Bichel
HOMELESS people in Cranbourne will be served up hot soup and a side of kindness by members of the Cranbourne Uniting Church and local volunteers.
The mobile soup kitchen was once the Narre Warren Fire Brigade’s support vehicle, which was designed as a mobile food preparation vehicle and served catering to District 8 Southern Metro fire-fighters for many years.
Third lieutenant Damien Baker said because the vehicle was replaced by a self-contained catering trailer and not needed at the brigade, it was sold to the Cranbourne Uniting Church last week. The brigade donated a generator to accompany the soup van.
Reverend Wendy Snook from the Cranbourne Uniting Church said there was a growing number of homeless people in the City of Casey and members of the church wanted to help.
Member of the church Peter Kreun suggested they purchase a soup van and give soup and bread to people in need.
“This truck was perfectly set up for what we wanted and it was a good price,” Mr Kreun said.
“Everyone is fully behind the idea and we are trying to get companies on board to help us out.”
Rev Snook said the number of people in need of housing in the area was alarming.
“We have heard there was more than 400 people looking for accommodation in the area,” she said.
“There are places that offer food and services to them, but a lot of these places aren’t open on the weekend. There are people who sleep in swags, in blankets or in their cars. We are concerned they don’t have any hot food, tea or coffee – things we take for granted.”
Rev Snook said they were currently waiting for permission from the City of Casey but were optimistic they would be given the green light to go ahead with the project.
She said the church was working in partnership with other churches, UnitingCare Harrison in Knox and the Salvation Army, and was looking for more people to lend a helping hand.
“It really has become a community effort,” she said.
“But we are still looking for people to help us on the team in any way they can.”
Anyone wanting to learn more about the soup van and how they can get involved can call Rev Snook on 5995 2755.