A hot lunch is something most people take for granted, but for Tommy Moyal it’s a blessing.
The 51-year-old, who lives in a campervan in Hobsons Bay, attended last Wednesday’s three-course lunch served by volunteers at Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House.
He said the lunch, for which concession cardholders are asked to give a $5 donation, provided a break from his lonely life.
“Some days are like hell on wheels for loneliness.”
Mr Moyal said he travelled to Laverton for company as much as food.
“I get a bag of food now and then from the good people like the Church of Christ in Williamstown, from Minister Megan Jung at Helping Hand – I have lunch there as well.
“Without these places, I have no friends. I’m on my own, basically, so I live like a hermit.
“Usually, I eat dried food in the van: canned food and a sandwich or whatever.
“[Wednesday’s lunch] was like a blessing to sit down and have a 20-minute yak with two people sitting beside me.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t have the $5 donation; I had a free lunch with the help of the Williamstown people.”