Homelessness Support

Jackson House recently welcomed a visit that marked a new step in Wenona service programming, in line with our motto Ut Prosim, that I may serve.

Two representatives from the charity Street Buffet, Ian Schaffa and Tony Hole, met with students including Jackson House Captains Taylah and Bianca (both Year 11), to discuss their growing partnership with Wenona, which will continue to transform our Big Kitchen into a vital support for Sydney's most vulnerable residents.

Street Buffet was founded by Mr Schaffa in 2015 and has grown from informal sandwich deliveries to a structured charity serving hundreds of meals weekly to those experiencing homelessness across Sydney and Melbourne. Mr Schaffa's personal experience with homelessness as a teenager drives the organisation's core philosophy: treating everyone with dignity and respect, serving meals, "the same way we do for our friends and family," he says.

Jackson House is one of Wenona's newest Houses, established in 2021 alongside Hadley House. Its new Street Buffet partnership will see Jackson House members preparing meals on campus for Street Buffet volunteers to distribute at their weekly Sunday events in Woolloomooloo and other Sydney locations.

"During Ian and Tony’s visit, we discussed how important it is to Jackson House not just to raise money, but to be actively involved, doing hands-on work and visiting Street Buffet to better understand the cause and the difference it makes," explains Bianca. "I'm glad Jackson House has the chance to build a genuine connection with a cause, and something we can carry forward for years to come, making it a real part of our House."

The Wenona House system dates back to 1928 and has evolved from its original four Houses to eight, creating vertical communities where students from different year groups work together. The Houses compete in the arenas of swimming, athletics, drama, debating and music. As the Jackson House and Street Buffet partnership demonstrates, House members are also required to make a tangible difference to the community through a variety of service activities.

Street Buffet is a worthy recipient of support due to its consistency and directness. Every Sunday at 5pm, regardless of the weather, the charity’s volunteers serve between 100 and 150 hot meals to those experiencing food insecurity. The meals the Jackson House students prepare will become part of this reliable support system; a practical lesson in how small, consistent actions create meaningful change.

House Captain Taylah says the partnership has already shifted her perspective on community service. "This charity made a significant impact on my perspective around helping those who need it by doing simple tasks like making a meal or donating items such as clothing. The meeting with Ian and Tony showed how easy it can be to help those in need and I am so excited and grateful to be working with them in upcoming years!"

The partnership also aligns with Street Buffet's emphasis on dignity and connection. Rather than simply providing food, the organisation creates community through conversation and respect, which aligns with Wenona’s approach to service learning. The students will be engaging with complex social issues and developing practical skills, while contributing to a broader effort that recognises the humanity and worth of every person.