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ORANGE SKY STORIES

Every day around Australia, Orange Sky volunteers pull out our six orange chairs on shift and sit down for a chat with friends. Many people visit shift out of necessity to wash their clothes or have a warm shower, while others simple come along to connect with their community.

Genuine and non-judgemental conversations are at the core of what we do, and while sometimes we get into the serious stuff, most of the time it's just every day people talking about every day stuff (and of course, some friendly banter!).

Stories from Shift

Colin’s Story

Colin has been without a stable home for almost a year, moving his car from one car park to the next to find a place to stay each night. When he lost his pension, life took a hard turn, leaving him to navigate this new reality on his own. Before discovering Orange Sky, he had been washing his clothes by hand, doing his best to keep a sense of normalcy in challenging circumstances.

"You meet people through Orange Sky, you can do a bit of your washing and you're staying clean and tidy. I come down there on a Friday morning and we sit around and talk to the volunteers.”

"It's good because you're doing something, you know, and you're relating to other people."

Finding Orange Sky has brought Colin more than just clean clothes - it’s given him a community. Each shift, he’s met with familiar faces, meaningful conversations, and a sense of connection that reminds him he isn’t alone in his journey. For Colin, the friendships and support he’s found at Orange Sky have become a valuable part of his week, offering a reminder of kindness and compassion in the toughest of times.

Cass's Story

For Cass, Orange Sky’s weekly shift isn’t just a chance to do laundry - it’s a moment to feel seen, heard and supported by a community that cares.

Cass's journey has been marked by challenges. In November 2020, she was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. Between the physical toll of treatments and the rising costs of rent, she lost her home and spent the next year living out of a hatchback. Eventually, she moved into a van, which has been her home ever since.

Cass heard about Orange Sky from others who, like her, were living in their vehicles. They introduced her to the local community centre, where Orange Sky’s bright orange van pulls up every Friday. For Cass, these shifts offer a simple yet profound comfort—clean clothes and a friendly chat. But it’s the sense of belonging that keeps her coming back. Each week, she’s met with friendly faces, genuine conversation, and a warmth that turns a regular day into something special.

“[Orange Sky] services have been absolutely invaluable. It just turns an ordinary day into something a little bit special. You get treated like part of the family.”

Orange Sky has given Cass more than fresh laundry. It’s a community—a place to find connection, support, and a reminder that even in the toughest of times, she is not alone.

Danee's Story

We asked Danee to describe her experience volunteering with Orange Sky in one word, the word that came to mind for Danee was "community."

For many of our friends on shift, Danee and her team have become more than just volunteers – they’re a friendly face, a safe space in a world that can feel isolating. “We try to be that for some people.” she says, “because some people have no connection whatsoever with anybody.” 

Danee cherishes the camaraderie she shares with the friends she meets week after week. For her, these friendships are more than just casual conversations – they’re a space where trust and safety thrive. “Friends to me means connection. Making connection with people”, she explains. Every week, she looks forward to the moments when friends feel safe enough to open up, sharing stories of struggle and resilience.

Through her work, Danee continues to be a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a friend to those who need it most. Volunteering has not only allowed her to give back to the community she loves, but it has also shaped her understanding of what it means to truly be there for someone.