Where kindness is shared daily: Volunteering at HopeStreet Cafe

After moving to Sydney during COVID, Carmel, pictured right with her manager Marie, was looking for ways to stay connected to her new community. As a retiree with decades of life and work experience behind her, she was keen to share her time in a way that made a difference.

A walk through Woolloomooloo, New South Wales, led her to a BaptistCare Op Shop where one simple question, “Can I help you out?”, opened a door to something more.

While the shop was not looking for volunteers at the time, Carmel was encouraged to visit the nearby HopeStreet Café. There, she met BaptistCare team member Sam, who welcomed her with open arms.

“She’s a wonderful volunteer and she sure knows how to cook up a storm,” says Sam. “I just knew she was going to be a real gem.”

Bringing Experience and Heart

With years of experience in the food industry, including time at The Harbord Hotel in Freshwater, Carmel was quick to find her place. “I was virtually employed straight away, as soon as they could complete the required checks,” she says. “It’s a very good team. Not a big team, but everyone here is excellent.”

Carmel now volunteers every Monday at HopeStreet Café, where she lends both her skills and warm heart to the space.

The café is a not-for-profit community space that provides affordable food and a welcoming environment where people can gather, connect, and feel part of a community. For Carmel, it is more than a place to serve coffee.

“It’s a wonderful place where people can come together and find a friendly ear,” she says. “And I tell you what, the scones are excellent.”

Drawing on her hospitality background, Carmel appreciates the care that goes into every detail. “The quality of the cheese and tomatoes is top-notch, and we make some fantastic toasted sandwiches for a very reasonable two dollars,” she says. “And the coffee is excellent. We use premium milk, which makes a big difference to the flavour.”

For Carmel, the real value lies in the people.

“This is my first time volunteering, and I just love meeting all the different people from all walks of life,” she says. “I think it’s really important to acknowledge people and respect them. It opens up a lot of rewards.”

Small interactions, meaningful impact

Through her time at HopeStreet Café, Carmel has seen how small, everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference.

“We are all human beings trying to help people,” she says. “Together, we can make the unbearable days a little more bearable for someone. Food is a great leveller. Even if someone comes in off the street feeling a bit upset, a warm toastie and a cup of coffee can help calm things down for a moment. And in that space, you can reach out to them and open the door to a conversation that can eventually change a life,” she says.

Being part of the café has also connected Carmel to a wider network of people who contribute in different ways. From locals who help care for the garden to community groups and services who drop in to support events, the café continues to grow its impact through shared effort and goodwill.

Staying connected through community

Importantly, HopeStreet is an inclusive space that welcomes people from all backgrounds. For Carmel, that diversity is an essential part of what makes the café feel special.

“People are going through a lot at the moment, whether it’s mental health challenges or cost of living pressures,” she says. “It doesn’t matter your background or faith. These are things that affect everyone. And we are here to support them.”

Volunteering has also brought unexpected benefits to Carmel herself.

“If you’ve stopped working like me, your world can shrink a bit,” she explains. “Volunteering is a great way to stay connected to your community. You meet interesting people and you get a lot out of it as well.”

She encourages anyone considering volunteering to think about how they might get involved in a way that suits their life.

“It doesn’t have to be a big commitment,” she says. “Even an hour of your time can make a real impact. You can give as much or as little as you’re able.”

When asked what keeps her coming back each week, Carmel is quick to answer.

“The team is great,” she says. “We have amazing people here who work together to support the community. They’ve all been so encouraging and flexible when I’ve needed it. Together, I know we are making a tremendous difference.”

Thank you, Carmel, for sharing your time, experiences and warmth with the HopeStreet Café community. The way you and our other volunteers show up for others continues to create a welcoming space where people can connect, feel supported and be seen. And for that, we are profoundly grateful.