Instead, there is growing demand from the disadvantaged for a hot meal and the varied services the charity offers from its volunteer-run, Hunter Street bunker.

"We don't like asking for help in our culture, it's a humbling thing, so when we get to help the vulnerable then it's a great privilege," says Mr Prosser, the Cafe's chief executive officer.

"When our guests open up their lives and tell their story - many involving trauma, tragedy and mental health issues - we have respect for them."

Soul Cafe has won Newcastle Business Club's organisation of the year award. Mental health advocate Joel Pilgrim won the youth award, while local lawyer Catherine Henry won the individual award.

Mr Prosser paid tribute to his 150-strong team of volunteers for their efforts: "Collectively everyone who contributes something creates the whole."

Founded in 2003, Soul Cafe has grown to now employ eight part-time staff. Some of volunteers work a few hours preparing and serving meals - 800 are dished up in house or to go - and others might work two or three days a week.

The cafe opens every day with the exception of every second Sunday, and its priority is helping people at their point of need.

"If they are hungry the meal is the priority, but at the table that is where you learn people's stories and that is a significant part of what we do. People are also welcome to come and not talk and go," says Mr Prosser. "[Our work culture is] let's not judge people on the chapter of the life we are reading right now. Our hope is with our environment, friendship and help we can help them rewrite a new chapter in life."

Beyond meals, Soul Cafe volunteers offer everything from hair cuts to legal advice and a range of medical and health services.

"I believe we are created to help people and contribute somewhere and somehow and when that happens something happens within us all. There's a sense of fulfilment, satisfaction and purpose," says Mr Prosser.

Housed in a space donated by Westpac, the cafe doesn't attract a huge amount of sponsorship but attracts modest sums from local charitable groups.

"We don't resource it as far as looking for it - we are very thankful that we have a good reputation and are becoming known, so our model is try and work with those who come through our door and touch base with us," he says.

Local businesses are encouraged to give financial or in-kind support, saying the cafe welcomed ongoing partnerships.