History

In 1997, the founders of COCOS, embarked on a journey to identify just one area where there was a growing or consistent number of homeless persons who were in need of certain services. After contemplating the possibility of developing a regular service and then identifying Parramatta as an area in need, the two fathers (Fr. Shenouda Mansour and Fr. Gabriel Yassa) set out to capture the support of their local church community and were successful in acquiring a number of youth volunteers.

It began with the provision of sandwiches and drinks and today COCOS is a registered charity, providing a hot meal, clothing and other services every Tuesday night at Civic Place in Parramatta and in Wooloomooloo.

Since then, the Coptic Orthodox Community Outreach Service (also known as COCOS), has with the donations of the community made significant strides towards the goal of alleviating the suffering associated with poverty and homelessness.

Through a network of nearly 100 unpaid and dedicated volunteers, COCOS has been able to deliver its services to approx. 130 homeless and needy individuals on the one night.

2002 was a year of inestimable blessings and one that was filled with ongoing progression towards the attainment of our key goal; the alleviation of the conditions that come with poverty and homelessness.

Why we serve

“It is a cold Tuesday night. It is raining heavily and there is a strong gust of wind. As I walk down a long, dark, bumpy road in mainstream Parramatta, I see a cluster of people; mainly middle-aged men, but amongst them also, people from all walks of life. It is cold, yet these people are scattered along the cold and bitter grounds of a park, with barely anything to hold onto for warmth or comfort. Down the road, outside a soup kitchen, a group of people patiently wait on a long que to be served what may be their only meal for the day. It is 10 o’clock at night.

Only one street away, there is a man, who shivers from the cold. He is holding so tightly to his belongings as though they were his life, all of which were placed into the one old and raggedy bag. Directly in front of me, is a young woman with a baby, trying so hard to control the loud cry of her child. Only a few blocks down, there is a group of men, who sleep on hard, cold, wooden benches. It is still raining, and one man has become so soaking wet from the forces of the wind, blowing the rain into the only shelter he had for the night, that he cannot sleep.

Down at the road at the local hostel there is a man who sits silently, confused and distressed. His face full of anguish and anxiety, as though his whole world had just fallen apart. This is the reality of homelessness.”

Anonymous.

Serving those in need

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;
for he giveth of his bread to the poor."
Proverbs 22:9

History

Serving those in need

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor." Proverbs 22:9

History

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;
for he giveth of his bread to the poor."
Proverbs 22:9