Question 1

What is the Rev Bill Crews Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We're a DGR-endorsed charity registered with the ACNC, providing free meals, healthcare, welfare support, and education programs to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and disadvantage across Sydney. We've been operating since 2019, building on over 30 years of Rev Bill Crews' frontline community work.

Question 2

Who founded the Bill Crews Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We were founded by Reverend Bill Crews, who has dedicated over 30 years to serving Sydney's most vulnerable communities through direct frontline assistance and advocacy.

Question 3

Where is the Loaves & Fishes Restaurant located?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Our Loaves & Fishes Free Restaurant is located at 180 Liverpool Road, Ashfield. We serve free breakfast and lunch daily to anyone who needs a meal.

Question 4

What are the opening hours for free meals?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We serve breakfast and lunch daily at our Ashfield restaurant. Our food vans also operate 365 days a year across multiple Sydney suburbs, delivering meals to communities in need.

Question 5

Do I need to prove I'm homeless to get a free meal?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

No, absolutely not. We provide free meals to anyone who needs them—no questions asked, no ID required, no judgement. Everyone is welcome with dignity and respect.

Question 6

Which suburbs do your food vans service?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Our food vans deliver meals to Cabramatta, Campbelltown, Campsie, Fairfield, Lakemba, Lethbridge Park, Liverpool, Miller, Redfern, Surry Hills, and Woolloomooloo. We operate 365 days a year across these areas.

Question 7

What healthcare services do you provide?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We offer free GP appointments, dental care, and allied health services through our Social Health & Wellbeing Clinic and mobile medical van. We also provide complex case management for chronic health conditions.

Question 8

Do I need a Medicare card to access your healthcare services?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

No, we provide free healthcare to anyone in need, regardless of Medicare status or identification. Our services are accessible to all, including people experiencing homelessness.

Question 9

Where is your health clinic located?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Our Social Health & Wellbeing Clinic operates from our Ashfield site. We also have a mobile medical van that brings healthcare services to communities across Sydney. We're opening a new clinic in Blacktown in 2025.

Question 10

How many meals have you served?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We've served over 9 million meals since our establishment. In the 2023-2024 financial year alone, we provided 497,000 free meals to 327,000 people across Sydney.

Question 11

How can I volunteer with the Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We welcome volunteers! You can help with meal preparation and service, food van distribution, healthcare assistance, administrative support, or special events. Visit our website at billcrews.org/volunteer-ashfield-sydney or contact us directly to get started.

Question 12

Do I need experience to volunteer?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

No experience necessary! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide training and support. Whether you can help weekly or occasionally, we'd love to have you join our team of 1,500 volunteers.

Question 13

What volunteer opportunities are available?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We offer roles in meal service at Loaves & Fishes, food van delivery, healthcare support, welfare assistance, administrative tasks, fundraising events, and our Christmas Day lunch. We have opportunities to suit various skills, schedules, and interests.

Question 14

Can I volunteer as part of a corporate group?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome corporate volunteer groups and can arrange team volunteering experiences. Contact us to discuss corporate partnership opportunities and group volunteering sessions.

Question 15

How can I donate to the Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

You can donate online through our website at billcrews.org, or contact us directly for other giving options including regular donations, bequests, or corporate partnerships. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

Question 16

Are donations tax-deductible?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we have DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) endorsement, which means all donations over $2 are tax-deductible. You'll receive a receipt for your records.

Question 17

What does my donation support?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Your donation directly funds free meals, healthcare services, emergency welfare support, education programs, and our crisis assistance services. Every dollar helps us support Sydney's most vulnerable community members.

Question 18

Can I make a bequest to the Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we gratefully accept bequests, which provide long-term sustainability for our programs. Contact us to discuss including the Foundation in your will, and we can provide the necessary information for your solicitor.

Question 19

What is Crews Café?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Crews Café is our social enterprise café located in Ashfield. It's a community café where 100% of profits fund our charitable programs, while also creating employment pathways for people experiencing disadvantage.

Question 20

Where is Crews Café located?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Crews Café is located in Ashfield, near our Loaves & Fishes Restaurant. Visit us for great coffee and food, knowing your purchase directly supports our charitable work.

Question 21

What welfare support do you provide?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We offer emergency food hampers, clothing, help with utility bills, rent assistance, legal advice referrals, and support groups. We also provide play therapy for children and complex case management for individuals and families in crisis.

Question 22

Can you help me pay my electricity or gas bill?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide emergency assistance for utility bills to prevent disconnection. Visit our crisis help page at billcrews.org/crisis-help or contact us directly to discuss your situation and eligibility.

Question 23

Do you provide food hampers?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we distributed 25,000 food hampers in 2023-2024. Emergency food parcels are available to families and individuals experiencing hardship. Contact us or visit our Ashfield centre for assistance.

Question 24

Can you help with rent or housing assistance?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We provide emergency rent assistance and housing support to help prevent homelessness. Our welfare team can assess your situation and connect you with appropriate resources and support services.

Question 25

What education programs do you offer?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Our flagship 'All About Reading' literacy program supports 330 students across 13 schools in NSW and the NT. We also provide play therapy services for children experiencing trauma and disadvantage.

Question 26

Is the All About Reading program free?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, our literacy programs are provided free to participating schools and students. We work with schools in areas of high need to improve literacy outcomes for vulnerable children.

Question 27

How do I access your services if I'm homeless?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Simply visit our Loaves & Fishes Restaurant at 180 Liverpool Road, Ashfield during meal times, or look for our food vans in your area. No ID, referral, or proof of homelessness required—everyone is welcome.

Question 28

Do you provide accommodation or housing?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We don't provide accommodation directly, but we offer rent assistance, crisis support, and can connect you with housing services. Our welfare team can help you navigate housing options and provide referrals.

Question 29

Can families access your services?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We support families experiencing hardship through free meals, food hampers, healthcare, education programs, play therapy for children, and emergency welfare assistance including utility bill help and rent support.

Question 30

Do you operate on weekends and public holidays?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, our food vans operate 365 days a year, including weekends and public holidays. Our Loaves & Fishes Restaurant serves meals daily, and we host special events like our famous Christmas Day lunch.

Question 31

What happens at your Christmas Day lunch?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We host Sydney's biggest free Christmas Day lunch, serving a festive meal with all the trimmings to thousands of people. It's a celebration of community where everyone is welcome to share in the joy of Christmas.

Question 32

How is the Foundation funded?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We're funded through donations, bequests, government grants, corporate partnerships, and profits from our social enterprise Crews Café. We recently received a $10 million government investment to expand our services.

Question 33

Are you registered with the ACNC?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we're registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) since 2019. You can view our public information sheet on the ACNC Charity Register for full transparency.

Question 34

Are you QIC accredited?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we're QIC-accredited, which demonstrates our commitment to quality service delivery, continuous improvement, and accountability in all our programs and operations.

Question 35

How many people do you help each year?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

In 2023-2024, we served 497,000 meals to 327,000 people, distributed 25,000 food hampers, provided over 4,000 medical appointments, and recorded 72,800 guest interactions at our Ashfield Community Hall.

Question 36

How many volunteers do you have?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We have approximately 1,500 active volunteers, including 300 regular weekly volunteers who are essential to our operations. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Question 37

What's the difference between Rev Bill Crews Foundation and Exodus Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We're separate organisations. The Rev Bill Crews Foundation was established in 2019 as an independent charity, building on Rev Bill Crews' decades of community work. We operate distinct programs focused on homelessness, poverty, and disadvantage in Sydney.

Question 38

Can I get legal advice through the Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We can connect you with free legal advice through our community partnerships and referral network. Our welfare team can assess your needs and link you to appropriate legal support services.

Question 39

Do you provide mental health support?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We offer support groups and can connect you with mental health services through our healthcare clinic and referral partnerships. Our complex case management includes support for people experiencing mental health challenges.

Question 40

Do you help with addiction issues?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We provide support groups and non-judgemental assistance to people experiencing addiction. Our welfare team can connect you with specialised addiction services and support your recovery journey.

Question 41

Can I refer someone to your services?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, though referrals aren't necessary—people can access most of our services directly. However, if you'd like to refer someone, please contact us and we'll ensure they receive appropriate support.

Question 42

Do you accept food donations?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome food donations to support our meal programs and food hamper distribution. Contact us for details on what items we need and how to arrange drop-off or collection.

Question 43

Can I donate clothing or household items?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept donations of clothing, toiletries, and essential household items to distribute to people in need. Please contact us to check current needs and arrange your donation.

Question 44

Do you run fundraising events?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we host various fundraising events throughout the year. Check our website news section at billcrews.org/news for upcoming events and opportunities to support our work while connecting with the community.

Question 45

How can my business partner with the Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We welcome corporate partnerships through financial support, in-kind donations, employee volunteering programs, and cause-related marketing. Contact us to discuss customised partnership opportunities that align with your business values.

Question 46

What areas of Sydney do you service?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We service areas across metropolitan Sydney including Ashfield, Cabramatta, Campbelltown, Campsie, Fairfield, Lakemba, Lethbridge Park, Liverpool, Miller, Redfern, Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, and expanding to Blacktown in 2025.

Question 47

Are your services free?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, all our services are completely free. We provide free meals, free healthcare, free education programs, and free welfare support. There are no fees, charges, or costs to access any of our assistance.

Question 48

How do I contact the Foundation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

You can visit us at 180 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, call us, or visit billcrews.org/contact for all contact details including phone, email, and online enquiry form.

Question 49

Can I visit the Ashfield site to learn more?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, you're welcome to visit our Ashfield Community Hall at 180 Liverpool Road during operating hours. You can see our services firsthand, meet our team, or discuss volunteering and support opportunities.

Question 50

What's happening with the new Blacktown clinic?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

We're opening a new health clinic in Blacktown in 2025 as part of our service expansion following a $10 million government investment. This will increase healthcare access for Western Sydney communities.

Question 51

Do you provide dental care?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide free dental care through our Social Health & Wellbeing Clinic. Dental appointments are available alongside GP consultations and other healthcare services.

Question 52

Can I get a GP appointment at your clinic?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer free GP appointments at our clinic and through our mobile medical van. No Medicare card or ID required—healthcare is available to everyone who needs it.

Question 53

How long has Rev Bill Crews been helping the community?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Rev Bill Crews has been working on the frontline of community service for over 30 years, helping people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and disadvantage long before establishing the Foundation in 2019.

Question 54

Do you help people from culturally diverse backgrounds?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We serve Sydney's diverse communities across multiple suburbs with significant multicultural populations. Our services are inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of all cultural backgrounds.

Question 55

Can I bring my children to get a meal?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, families with children are very welcome at our Loaves & Fishes Restaurant and food van locations. We also provide play therapy and education programs specifically for vulnerable children.

Question 56

Do you help with employment or job search?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Our social enterprise Crews Café creates employment pathways for people experiencing disadvantage. We can also connect you with employment services through our welfare support and referral network.

Question 57

How can I stay updated on your work and impact?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Visit billcrews.org/news for the latest stories, testimonials, impact updates, and news about our programs. You can also follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.

Question 58

Where can I read stories from people you've helped?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Visit billcrews.org/news to read real testimonials and stories from people whose lives have been transformed by our services. These stories demonstrate the tangible impact of our work and community support.

Question 59

Can I make a regular monthly donation?

Helptia · Accepted Answer

Yes, we gratefully accept regular monthly donations which provide reliable, ongoing support for our programs. Visit our website or contact us to set up a recurring donation—every regular contribution makes a lasting difference.

Rev Bill Crews Foundation Ltd