A soup kitchen that has been feeding the homeless and less fortunate in Cessnock is searching for a permanent home.
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Soupz On has provided thousands of meals, plus bedding, groceries and clothing to people in need since its inception.
Starting just three years ago, the volunteer-run organisation is the brain child of Rosie and Wayne Dowling and operates out of the Cessnock TAFE grounds.
"We are feeding anywhere between 20 and 30 people a night. We also have our hamper deliveries during the week for people who are finding it difficult to make ends meet," Mr Dowling said. "We've given everything away from socks to a caravan."
But the service has big dreams and hopes to find a permanent base soon.
"The vision is that the building will house a kitchen and dining facility, opshop, consultation rooms, education centre and hostel," Mr Dowling said.
"Our focus isn't just the homeless, it's for anyone who is on Centrelink. We don't discriminate."
Recently, the volunteer-run organisation received an $18,000 donation from international company The Leadership Circle.
"It's going to put a lot of weight to our tender process," Mr Dowling said.
"We've got everything ready to go. We are waiting for the bricks and mortar."
For the month of December, The Leadership Circle nominated Soupz On as their charity and donated five per cent of their profits.
Finance and operations director head Miranda Dunn, who also volunteers with Soupz On, said her boss also donated $5000 to the soup kitchen.
"Soupz On don't just want to feed people anymore. We want to have a holistic approach," she said. "We have a myriad of people who want to help including doctors, dentists, barbers."
