300 Blankets

We’re continuing to listen, learn and respond to the needs we’re seeing on the streets - because every conversation helps shape how we support our community. 🧡 Our Outreach leaders capture key insights each night, helping us better understand who we’re meeting, what support is most needed, and where we can continue improving our impact. From January–March 2026, we: ✨ Connected with 219 clients across Melbourne ✨ Completed 18 Outreach nights - providing 27 hours of on-street support ✨ Were supported by 125 incredible volunteers ✨ Most commonly met people aged between 30–65 years old ✨ Saw a larger proportion of men accessing support this quarter ✨ Most often provided clothing and toiletries - while also giving out 89 blankets These insights help ensure our Outreach remains compassionate, responsive and grounded in real community need - so every conversation, every connection and every item shared truly matters. Thank you for helping make this work possible. 💫

Mother’s Day at Soul Kitchen 🧡 A little before and after from Sunday’s service - transformed by an incredible crew who chose to spend their Mother’s Day helping others feel seen, welcomed and appreciated. From gorgeous candles and cosy socks to giveaways, decorations and a special Mother’s Day raffle, every detail was shared with love for our wonderful community ✨ To everyone who volunteered, donated, set up, packed down, served meals or simply shared a smile - thank you for making the day so special.

Got skills to share and a heart for community? We’d love to have you on the team 🧡 We’re currently looking for passionate volunteers to help support and grow the work we do across Melbourne. Whether you’re a people-person, an organiser, a strong writer or someone who loves bringing teams together, there’s a place for you at 300 Blankets. Current volunteer opportunities include: ✨ Soul Kitchen Program Co-Manager ✨ Volunteer Manager – Team & Group Volunteering ✨ Grant Writers These roles are a chance to use your professional skills and experience to make a real impact for people doing it tough in our community. Join a passionate, welcoming team and help us continue creating connection, warmth and support where it’s needed most. Link in bio 💫

Just a dinner for 74 of our nearest and dearest at Soul Kitchen on Sunday. 74 smiles, just as many thank yous - and even a couple of haircuts along the way 💇 Keen to be part of it? Join the Soul Kitchen squad and sign up via Volaby today. Link in bio 💫

Sometimes, it’s about being there at exactly the right moment. At Soul Kitchen, one of our volunteers met a mum and her three kids visiting for the first time - referred by a friend when she needed it most. She’d run out of money and food, unsure how she’d feed her family before her next pay came through. That night, they shared a three-course meal together, and took home a few extra essentials - socks, beanies, caps - generously donated by our friends at @thread_together . A simple evening, making a very real difference. Help us make moments that count - sign up to Volaby (link in bio) today 💫

A quick moment from outreach last week 🧡 We don’t always get the perfect photo on the night - sometimes it’s a snap in between passing pedestrians - but this one felt worth sharing. This is Chrissy, who asked if we could take her photo and share her appreciation. Sitting with her pup in Melbourne’s CBD, wrapped in a new blanket, she told us how helpful the warmth and support is - and how much she, and many in the community, appreciate the time with our crew. We got to hang out, chat, share a hug, and some pats at Chrissy’s spot. Many of our volunteers were on their first outreach night, and left struck by how open and friendly everyone was. It’s just a couple of small moments, but they never get old.

We’re on the lookout for a new Volunteer Treasurer to join the 300 Blankets team 🧡 Every week, our volunteers head out across Melbourne, sharing warm meals, blankets, and genuine connection with people experiencing homelessness. Behind every one of those moments is the work that keeps our organisation strong, sustainable, and able to show up when it matters most. This Treasurer role is a vital part of that. We’ve been incredibly lucky to have had a brilliant Treasurer guiding us to date, and as they step down, we’re looking for someone new to continue that legacy - someone who wants to use their financial skills to support real, human impact in our community. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more via the link in our bio and send across your application through SEEK.

This Youth Homelessness Matters Day (Wednesday, April 15), let’s face the reality of youth homelessness. Last year, over 43,000 children and young people under 25 presented alone to a homelessness service. 1 in 10 were under 14. And 40% of Australia’s homeless population is under 25. Youth homelessness is often hidden. Many young people are couch surfing - staying with friends or extended family - and may not even identify as homeless. But this instability places them in vulnerable situations, exposing them to harm, abuse and exploitation. For many, the pathway into homelessness begins with domestic and family violence. At the same time, 0% of private rentals are affordable for someone on Youth Allowance - leaving young people with few safe options. Services are stretched beyond capacity. Beds are limited, and housing is only part of the solution. Young people need tailored, wraparound support to help them not just survive, but thrive - and funding must keep pace with the growing demand. Every young Australian deserves a safe place to call home. Learn more and get involved at @yhmday or via yhmd.org.au 🧡 #YHMD26

We were thrilled to once again connect with an incredible group of first-year students from @monash_uni ’s Global Challenges degree 🌏🔬 On 24 March, Sam and Daniel joined the cohort to share more about 300 Blankets - what we do, how we do it, and the evolving challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. This unique program brings together passionate, driven students eager to apply their skills across business, government, nonprofits and the wider community to create real change - and it showed in the room. We were met with thoughtful, engaging questions, diving into everything from how we collaborate with organisations in adjacent sectors, to volunteer attraction and engagement, logistics, and how we support our own team behind the scenes. These sessions are always a highlight for us - sparking meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and even new connections with future volunteers. A big thank you to the Monash team for having us - we can’t wait to see what this cohort goes on to achieve, and look forward to returning again next year 🙌✨ #GlobalChallenges #300Blankets #futurechangemakers 📸 @monash_uni

Sisters, teammates, and a whole lot of heart 🧡 When Gina signed up to volunteer at Soul Kitchen after spotting a call-out in her local paper, she didn’t expect her first shift - on Mother’s Day - to spark something so meaningful. But it didn’t take long before she was hooked. And convincing her sister Donna? Not needed. The moment she heard about it, she was in. Now, they’re a regular duo - sharing shifts, plenty of laughs on the drive in, and a deep commitment to their community. For Donna, it’s about connection - familiar faces, new conversations, and showing up for others. For both of them, it’s about shared values and making a difference, side by side. Independent, determined, and just a little competitive about who’s the “older” sibling [bit of a theme here isn't there??] … 😉 We're so lucky to celebrate some wonderful volunteers who dig in together this International Siblings Day. Sending a big, grateful shout out to Gina and Donna - and all the siblings who turn compassion into action, together.

Some things never change… like siblings encouraging (read: pressuring 😏) each other to do good. This International Sibling Day, we’re celebrating Michelle & Andrew, who have been volunteering side-by-side at Soul Kitchen - continuing a tradition that started long before they each donned the apron. “It isn’t the first time we’ve volunteered together - years ago we ran an after-school program for disadvantaged kids. Our mum always led by example, often bringing us along to help out in the community (sometimes whether we liked it or not at the time!).” These days, they’re bringing that same energy to Soul Kitchen - and a little healthy sibling rivalry too: ✔️ Guests and volunteers are often invited to guess who’s the eldest ✔️ Michelle may have strong-armed Andrew into becoming a Lead after his first session… ✔️ But Andrew now returns the favour by outshining her with next-level organisation (including a very serious compendium, printed & branded name tags - even adding names in Chinese for Lunar New Year 🧧) Together, they even led our Chinese New Year night - Michelle in the kitchen, Andrew running the floor - creating a night full of warmth, connection, and (of course) a little chilli tasting on the side 🌶️ Volunteering together isn’t just about giving back - it’s about shared purpose, building memories, and yes… sometimes giving your sibling that extra nudge to get involved. Got a sibling, friend or colleague you could bring along? Go on - share that link in our bio - take this as your sign 🧡

Sending all our community a very Happy Easter - particularly from these exceptional bunnies that were hopping all over Soul Kitchen to ensure everyone got their egg fill! 🐣 Thank you to all our wonderful vollies for spending their long weekend connecting with our friends in the West 🧡