Residents of HOME in Queanbeyan live in self-contained units with access to community spaces, gardens and daily communal lunches. Photo: Supplied, HOME.
Residents of HOME in Queanbeyan will enjoy a gourmet lunch for Easter cooked by renowned local restaurateurs Chef Christophe and Josephine Gregoire. They’re donating their time and ingredients – and calling on the community to match their efforts with a donation.
HOME provides long-term accommodation for those living with mental illness. Each resident lives in a self-contained unit and enjoys a healthy communal lunch every day cooked by volunteers.
The organisation receives no ongoing government funding, instead relying on community support to assist its 20 residents and ongoing program.
Josephine said after running their successful Bungendore restaurant Le Tres Bon for many years, she and Christophe were now at a point in their lives where they wanted to be giving back to the community.
“Easter is a good time to take stock of what you have and do what you can to give back,” she said.
“Coming together at the table is so good for general wellbeing and I think we often underestimate the importance of such a simple thing. Eating good food cooked from scratch with love is very powerful.”
Christophe and Josephine will be serving a traditional three-course French menu for the residents, staff and volunteers of HOME – cheese Mornay Gougere and salad, Beef Bourguignon and Fig Clafoutis for dessert.
“For us, cooking is a way to share our passion,” Christophe said.
Chef Christophe and Josephine Gregoire have sold their restaurant and are giving back to the community. Photo: Christophe Gregoire.
Manager of HOME, Anne Pratt, said the fundraiser was an example of community in action.
“HOME exists because our community saw a need and wanted to do something about it. And the community is involved in different ways, raising money or volunteering. We rely on the generosity of the community.
“This lunch is great because we’re not just about providing accommodation, it’s also about coming together over a meal… there’s a real warmth about it.”
The residents live with different mental illnesses which put them at risk of homelessness. Residents are encouraged to have active and fulfilling lives within their community and may volunteer, work or study.
Several residents at HOME have been living onsite since the organisation opened its doors in 2010.
“The model of care is different, but it is working. People feel safe here and when they feel safe and cared for, their lives change,” Ms Pratt said.
The menu on offer for HOME residents this Easter. Photo: Supplied.
HOME encourages everyone to support the event by ‘buying a lunch’ for a resident. All funds will support ongoing care at HOME and help match the gesture of Christophe and Josephine.
Find out more about HOME and support the Easter lunch fundraiser.
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