Australian clothing charity Thread Together has identified an inner-city pocket of Sydney as an emerging hub for crisis relief, and has extended its services in the area.
The non-profit organisation that diverts clothing from landfill to people facing hardship will extend its Mobile Wardrobe service to Rushcutters Bay and Kings Cross, with a hub at St Canice’s Kitchen.
This adds to a growing cluster of essential support services in the area, highlighting an invisible need in the highly sought-after part of the city.
“Expanding our reach, through collective collaboration, provides a very powerful and much needed expansion on the existing footprint,” Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler said.
“This means we can stand alongside more individuals and families during their most difficult times.”
The Mobile Wardrobe service will also extend to Mount Druitt, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Newtown. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to place pressure on Australians, frontline organisations report demand for practical support such as food, clothing and essential services is rising.
St Canice’s Parish Priest Father David said an ageing population facing social isolation has also been identified as a growing concern in the community.
“In a city like Sydney, you can feel invisible very quickly,” Fr David said. “When someone can access a meal, clean clothes, and human connection all at once, it changes the way support is experienced.”
St Canice’s Kitchen is emerging as a central community hub, welcoming approximately 150 people each day.
Originally founded as a place offering food and connection, the service has expanded to include clothing support, laundry facilities, and access to community services, delivered in partnership with a growing network of charities including Orange Sky Australia and St Vincent’s Homeless Health Service.
Support for the expansion has been strengthened through the involvement of the PAYCE Foundation, a philanthropic organisation addressing homelessness, housing vulnerability and social isolation across Sydney.
The PAYCE Foundation last year donated $190,000 to support Thread Together’s mobile van service.
PAYCE Foundation Director Sophie Boyd welcomed the announcement of Thread Together’s increased services, saying charity partnerships strengthen frontline support.
“When organisations come together in one location, people can access practical support, connection and dignity in a single trusted space,” Boyd said.
“Supporting services like Thread Together helps ensure those doing it tough are not left behind, even in suburbs that may appear affluent.”
The new mobile wardrobe service will launch at St Canice’s Kitchen on Thursday, March 26, from 8:30am to 10:30am, followed by a free community luncheon provided by St Canice’s.