At six in the morning, Macquarie Street is empty. The shops are shut, the office towers dark, the footpaths bare. But inside St Stephen’s Uniting Church, the lights are already on. A group of volunteers have been here since before dawn. Some are in the kitchen — ovens on, bacon cooking and porridge warming. The […]
Before Sydney Wakes: A Morning at Early Bird Café Read More »
Every morning before the city wakes, a small army of volunteers arrives at Early Bird Café. Breakfast is cooked, tea and coffee prepared, and a welcoming space is prepared for the hundreds of people who rely on our service. While many people think of Early Bird Café as a breakfast service, what they may not
The teams behind the breakfasts: the groups that power Early Bird Café Read More »
From 4–10 August, Homelessness Week shines a light on the growing crisis facing people across Australia—and on vital community responses like Early Bird Café (EBC). Since reopening after the disruptions of COVID-19, EBC has seen remarkable growth—not just in meal numbers, but in impact and reach. Rising Need in the Community Homelessness statistics often understate the
Early Bird Café Grows to Meet Community Needs: Over 54,000 Meals Served and Counting Read More »
Like many of us, the Early Bird Cafe was bright and thriving throughout 2019. We served 80+ hot brekkies each weekday morning and welcomed many in need into our cafe at St Stephen’s Uniting Church. Little did we know how things would change. It wasn’t easy, but we found ways to adapt in the pandemic.
Keeping our customers safe in the pandemic Read More »
It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day. A hot meal, a friendly chat and some caring support go a long way – which is what we do at the Early Bird Cafe. With funding from our varied sponsors and donors, and the assistance of volunteers, we serve thousands of meals each year and brighten
Serving up hot meals and smiles in Sydney’s CBD Read More »
