The organisation known for handing out coats for the homeless is now arming them against other elements.
A new initiative by the NSW Order of Malta has begun delivering water and sun-protection to men and women sleeping rough in Sydney throughout summer.
The weekly service will be provided by volunteers, with a nurse from St Vincent’s Hospital to administer healthcare.
The initiative is an extension of the Order of Malta NSW Community Care Van project, which began in June.
During winter, volunteer drivers took to the streets to distribute coats for the homeless to protect them from cold and wet weather.
With a hot, dry Sydney summer forecast, the NSW Branch developed the Community Care Van offering to combat heat-related illness among the homeless, who are particularly vulnerable during the warmer months.
“The evolution of the Community Care Van project to distribute water and sun protection came through discussions with St Vincent’s Hospital who highlighted a real need for preventative measure to help those sleeping on the streets during the summer months,” said NSW branch chairman David Hall.
“Providing this service is very much aligned with our mission to assist the Lord’s poor and sick”.