The Matthew Talbot Hostel provides accommodation and specialised support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service aims to provide immediate support and accommodation for people at the time of crisis as well as facilitate access to other essential services and more permanent housing.

These services range from provision of nutritional meals, clothing, showers and basic medical to intensive case management, legal and housing support, specialised health care, advocacy and providing a safe, welcoming environment for people who are sleeping rough and have experienced trauma. The hostel employs a multi-disciplinary team, allowing for a coordinated and client centred approach to care and support.

The Hostel caters for men over the age of 21, who are in need of temporary accommodation and/or other support. In addition to the 98 beds, other services offered through the facility are accessed by more than 35,000 men each year. These include a primary health care medical clinic, chapel, pastoral care, counselling and basic facilities. The adjoining Ozanam Learning Centre has a range of programs and resources accessible for men and women aged over 18 during the day.

The dining room in the communal dining area offers free meals prepared by paid staff to the clients of the Hostel.

We need volunteers to set up the dining room, provide friendly and welcoming customer service to the men and help clen up the room after the meal.

This includes: • Setting tables, moving amongst the men whilst they eat, clearing and then clening tables.

Volunteers must have the following: • Good people skills and compassion. • The abiity to work in a team. • The ability to left chairs on to tables

The screening process will include: • An interview with the Manager of Volunteer Services at Matthew Talbot Hostel. • A police check will need to be conducted at our expense. • Volunteers will need to understand and agree with the society’s and hostel’s volunteer charter.

The benefits of being involved: • One on one interaction with the homeless and disadvantaged of Sydney • The opportunity to build safe, defined relationships with our clients and make an immediate difference in their lives.