Formerly homeless, now helping others
More than 20 years after Albany man Gregg Triggs was sleeping on the streets of Sydney, he has started a new homelessness service to help those in an unenviable situation he remembers all too well.
Mr Triggs was homeless for five years in his teens and said he would not have survived without meals from a Salvation Army van.
"I have been off the streets for over 20 years now and I have wanted to return the favour ever since," he said.
Mr Triggs and Glenda Andrews distributed food and blankets last week from the carpark off Princess Royal Drive, and will be there for the next five weeks after borrowing a van for winter.
On the first night, people were waiting an hour before they opened at 6pm, and they fed 25 people before 7pm.
"It is for anyone who needs a non-judgemental feed," he said.
"That is what kept me alive so I am simply returning the favour.
"I went to Foodbank the other day and there were so many people in there, from young people to pensioners who must be struggling … you do not have to be homeless to come."
Mr Triggs hopes to collect enough donations to purchase his own van, to be manned by volunteers five nights a week.
"I think showing a little bit of love is important," he said.
Donations of fruit and vegetables can be made to Gregg's Cafe on York Street.
