The Lismore Soup Kitchen began in February 1990 to provide meals, accommodation and social support to various groups of marginalised people. These include people with mental health problems, indigenous people, those suffering drug and alcohol dependency, those with gambling addictions and those left homeless or living in rough isolated situations.

In October 2009 we purchased the lovely old Winsome Hotel which is now the home of the Soup Kitchen, and also home to 18 residents who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent accommodation.

We are staffed by volunteers, and have about 80 volunteers & members.

Currently we have 4 focus areas:

1. The Winsome 500 Club - our regular support group who contribute to help us provide food and housing.
2. The Good Pantry - providing low cost grocery items to people who need.
3. Flood Recovery - helping people back into housing, post 2022 flood.
4. Desert Road - supporting women who are rebuilding their lives after being in prison.

On the checkout page there is a tick box question on whether you wish your donation to go to a particular cause.

We are so thankful for the trust that so many donors have placed in us as we commit ourselves to recovery in our city afer the devastating floods of 2022.

We provide an open place at the Winsome every day from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, with coffee and tea freely available, along with a cooked lunch and sandwiches distributed for meals later in the day.

The “Soupie” is a safe place for people to come and socialise and it is well respected and trusted by marginalised people. We provide other key services and have the support of many local and state organisations. We depend on the good will of the community as we receive no government funding.