Perth Voice Interactive

THE organisation that feeds homeless people in Weld Square has bought a food truck to keep its volunteers safe from druggies.

Manna Inc’s volunteers currently serve food from fold-out tables, leaving them exposed.

“It is a difficult time of year and a small percentage of disadvantaged people that Manna Inc provide meals to turn to different substances to get through the winter months,” a Vincent council report states, diplomatically.

“This has made it unsafe for volunteers in the park in some evenings and their safety is compromised.”

“We’d love to live in Pollyanna’s world, but in Pollyanna’s world there’d be no one living hungry…”

It was recommended the council donate $1250 to a food truck fundraiser.

Police reported “a minor increase in anti-social incidents” in the park and they were conducting patrols.

When the Voice dropped by this week it was pretty tame: The most noise was from a muso.

Long-term the council hopes to find Manna Inc an indoor space to operate from.

Manna Inc started in 1996 and now gives out hundreds of hot meals six days a week in Weld Square. It also provides breakfasts and uniforms for schoolchildren.

Manna Inc founder Bev Lowe says they’ve sorted out the problems. “We’d love to live in Pollyanna’s world, but in Pollyanna’s world there’d be no one living hungry either and no on living in cars,” Ms Lowe said.

by DAVID BELL