For many Katoomba locals, church is the last place they would expect to find themselves on a Thursday morning.
But St Hilda's Anglican Church Katoomba has now opened its doors as a space for the community to drop in for food and financial assistance from local services on Thursdays monthly, as well as for a chat and a meal.
Community Thursdays offer free practical help and referrals through Anglicare services, including assistance paying bills and managing debts, free clothing, help with housing, financial counselling, advocacy and support, and assistance in emergency situations including domestic and family violence.
"Community Thursdays are about trying to build a community that is welcoming for everybody" said Sue Stones, a Katoomba-based food and financial assistance worker with Anglicare.
"We're here to do what we can to help make people's lives just a little bit more bearable."
Tea, coffee and lunch is also provided by the church, as well as a friendly face and a listening ear.
The church has also launched an Anglicare Community Pantry, available Monday to Friday for all who need it. The Pantry provides grocery items at very low cost to help budgets stretch further, with full bags of pantry staples available for $10.
"What we're trying to do is make cheap food available for people who are finding budgets tight," said Ray Robinson, Senior Minister.
"We're wanting to be a church that welcomes people and shows care at a material level, as well as a spiritual level."
The church first opened its doors daily during COVID-19, in order to be available for the community in a time when people felt isolated. Now, it is open for anyone to drop in from noon-2pm on Monday to Friday, to meet with other community members, have a chat with a volunteer, or receive affordable groceries through the Anglicare Pantry.
"We've built some lovely relationships with members of the community who are often forgotten and uncared for," Reverend Robinson said.
Community Thursdays occur on the third Thursday of each month. The next one will take place on June 17. Everyone is welcome.
