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 scale of the problem. Annual “rough sleeper” counts capture only those visible on the streets on one particular night. Many people experiencing homelessness are not counted at all—those sleeping in cars, on friends’ couches, or moving between temporary shelters.
At EBC, we see the reality every morning—not just people sleeping rough but also those who are housed but hungry and unable to afford food. This number has grown significantly in the past year. On recent morning alone, the team served 256 hot breakfasts and 131 additional meals, providing a total of 387 meals in one morning. You have to be very hungry to turn up at the café between 6:30 and 8:00 am on a cold, rainy Sydney morning, yet more people are doing so than ever before.
What Early Bird Café Is Doing
Since reopening post-COVID, EBC has grown from serving 60–90 breakfasts daily to now regularly serving over 200 hot meals each morning, six days a week. In August 2024, EBC began formally recording additional meals—food packages, takeaway meals, and emergency support meals—alongside its breakfast service.
In the year ending 30 June 2025, EBC delivered over 54,000 meals to people experiencing disadvantage:
- 44,709 hot breakfasts
- 9,785 additional support meals
The changing face of those helped is noteworthy: in addition to people rough sleeping, EBC also serves refugees, international students, working Australians in rental stress, older women, and single parents—many of whom don’t qualify for traditional services.
Volunteer Manager Marilyn Smith says “Every week, we see both new faces and familiar ones—need is climbing, but so is our ability to respond.”
Board Chair Claire Bates adds “We’ve built something community‑powered—an operation run by volunteers, partners, and donors who believe no one should start the day hungry.”
Circle of Support
EBC’s ability to scale has been powered by a network of volunteers—at least six each morning, amounting to over 1,800 volunteer shifts each year—an army of kindness who arrive before dawn to prepare, serve, and clean up. Key corporate and community partners such as Woolworths, Nestlé, Kellanova (Kellog’s), Biopak, Endeavour Drinks, and Uniting Church initiatives like “Hats for Homeless” provide meals, hygiene products, blankets, and warm clothing donations.
The Cost of a Meal & 100% Community Powered
Breakfast at EBC costs just $2.82 per meal. And because the café is 100% volunteer-run, every dollar donated goes directly to food and packaging costs. There are no administration overheads—every contribution goes straight to where it is needed most.
Looking Ahead
During Homelessness Week, EBC reflects on how far it’s come—and how far there’s still to go. The demand continues to rise, not just for breakfast but for dignity, community, and referral support. EBC is preparing to expand further—with more volunteers, and deeper partnerships, and more donors.
How You Can Help
During Homelessness Week (4–10 August), there are powerful ways to support the Early Bird Café and Sydney’s most vulnerable:
- Volunteer a morning: Join our early morning team to help prepare and serve breakfast.
- Donate a “brekky”: $5 covers breakfast and a takeaway meal, $20 supports meals for families or clients suffering crisis.
- Provide practical goods: Hats, blankets or hygiene packs—especially during winter.
- Make a corporate contribution: Join local businesses helping scale EBC’s impact through team volunteering, in-kind donations, or financial sponsorship.
Together, we can deliver more than meals—we can deliver hope.