A mobile shop called the “Neighbours Van” is driving volunteers to support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the Logan community.
It stops at Logan Central Plaza each fortnight, and gives clothing and groceries to people in need.
Since June, the Neighbours Van has supported about 800 people from 200 families, originally from 12 nations around Asia, Africa and the
Middle East.
The Neighbours Van is supported by the Collaborative Community Projects, a program run by the Baptist church.
Drop-in visitors can access a free morning tea and receive a free item of clothing donated by the community.
“We’re trying to build relationships with people. Everybody that comes to us is walking through a really tough time,” Gateway Baptist Church care pastor Sarah Watterson said.
“We find it amazing how quickly people open up to complete strangers and tell us what’s going on in their lives. Some of the stories people have are pretty horrific because a lot of them have come from terrible traumas overseas.
“We can’t fix everybody’s problems, but we want to show them that they’re seen, loved and heard.”
Originally from Afghanistan, Manika Ali Khan moved to Logan five years ago. She said the Neighbours Van is bringing hope to refugees and
migrants who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
“A very kind person introduced me to this. I love the people, they are so nice and very lovely. They try so hard to help us with what we need. When people come and meet others it means so much for them. A lot of the people who come here really need someone to just talk to them and listen to them,” she said.
