Fred’s Van will serve meals and hope to the homeless in Murray Bridge

St Vincent de Paul plans to bring a new service to the Murraylands to help people who are doing it tough.

Peri Strathearn

Aug 17, 2023 — 2 min read

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Free meals, blankets and support will soon become more available in the Murraylands as the St Vincent de Paul Society launches a new service.

Fred’s Van – named for Frederic Ozanam, who founded Vinnies in 1833 – will begin visiting Murray Bridge at least once per week later this year.

As well as serving sausages, sandwiches, fruit and pastries, volunteers will be able to offer blankets and, if nothing else, a listening ear.

Local Vinnies conference president Diane Smith said the idea had been almost a year in the planning.

“Homelessness is at a crisis point due to the cost of rents, food and utility hikes,” she said.

“It’s cruel to see it, and I’m seeing it first-hand.

“Fred’s Van is not the ultimate answer, but at least it can be a step.”

All she needed now was a few more volunteers and, once the van got up and running, regular food donations.

Vinnies helps people experiencing homelessness across South Australia, and will soon expand its Fred’s Van service to Murray Bridge. Photo: St Vincent de Paul Society.

Through her work at the St Vincent de Paul shop at Tailem Bend, she had met countless people who were struggling at the moment: some living in tents along the River Murray, or in cars with young children, or trying to work through mental health issues in insecure situations.

“It can happen to anyone,” she warned.

“There’s people out there homeless who never would have thought they would be homeless.”

Volunteer with Fred’s Van: Call Teresa Branch on 8112 8720, email tbranch@svdpsa.org.au or fill in the form at www.vinnies.org.au.
Get help: For food assistance, visit the Salvation Army at 3 Fourth Street, Murray Bridge on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings; AC Care at 29 Bridge Street on Tuesday or Thursday mornings; St Vincent de Paul at 11 Second Street, Murray Bridge or 47 Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend on weekdays; Murray Bridge Community Centre at 18 Beatty Terrace, Murray Bridge on weekdays; or the Hub at Darling Avenue on Friday mornings. The Salvos, Vinnies and AC Care can also offer Foodbank vouchers to eligible people.