Bendigo Community Health Services' new Fork in the Road facility on Hargreaves Street will provide services like a soup kitchen, showers and a laundry for people who are homeless or vulnerable in the community. 

It is also a space for community groups to run meetings and programs. 

"Our staff had a vision to really provide a service that is a safe environment for people who might be doing it a bit tough," BCHS chief executive Gerard Jose said.

"This opportunity has come about through the generosity of so many people, organisations, and our local members to make that vision a reality."

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A number of offenders on community correction orders are also giving back to the community through the facility.

Since November, 14 people serving CCOs have attended the Fork in the Road hub to receive hospitality training and provide meal packs for people experiencing a food shortage. 

"This is a wonderful opportunity for people on community corrections orders to engage with the community and become part of the community again," State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said. 

"We have had enormous success in enabling those people to reconnect with their community, to gain skills that they need to get jobs, and to leave justice system for good.

"This is about making sure recidivism rates are reduced," she said. 

Members of the local community donated funds as well as foodstuffs, plumbing, bench tops, tables, chairs, and white goods.

Local Brendan Baker's organisation Hindsight Club provided a washing machine, dryer and a television to the new hub. 

The company he works for, J.L. King & Co, also regularly donates fresh fruit and vegetable to the Fork in the Road's soup kitchen.

"It just makes you really proud to be living in this city and to know you can contribute in some small way," Mr Baker said. 

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters also contributed $15,000 to the project as part of a Stronger Communities Grant. There was also a $25,000 grant from the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

"What's great about this project is that it has brought so many partners together - business, community, state, federal - to deliver this great innovative project," Ms Chesters said.

"What I love about it is that it oozes Bendigo. It's us coming together to demonstrate who we are and how we take care of those most in need."

The Andrews Foundation has funded the building's lease for the next three years as part of its grants program.

Students from Bendigo South East College have also run market stalls to help raise funds for the hub's ongoing sustainability.

"The community has been generous and their generosity is key to its success," Mr Jose said. 

"I think it will also encourage the governments to provide a bit more programmatic support and funding support to keep it staffed and volunteers supported in providing such a fantastic service."

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