A guest is warmly welcomed to the winter shelter by volunteers. By Denise Dillon
IT’S been a rocky road to get there but the Bass Coast Winter Shelter is finally open and offering homeless people a warm place to stay.
An initiative of the Inter Church Council Phillip Island, the winter shelter is run entirely by local volunteers, people from across the community who are ready to offer a listening ear, a warm meal and a welcoming space.
It’s been a gentle start, with just a few bookings and some cancellations, but project co-ordinator Wendy Elson says that’s allowed time to train volunteers, test systems and get things running smoothly.
IT’S been a rocky road to get there but the Bass Coast Winter Shelter is finally open and offering homeless people a warm place to stay.
An initiative of the Inter Church Council Phillip Island, the winter shelter is run entirely by local volunteers, people from across the community who are ready to offer a listening ear, a warm meal and a welcoming space.
It’s been a gentle start, with just a few bookings and some cancellations, but project co-ordinator Wendy Elson says that’s allowed time to train volunteers, test systems and get things running smoothly.
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“We expected a gentle start, as guests need time to build the confidence to give it a go. We also know that some people experiencing homelessness prefer to hear about others’ experiences before deciding to stay at shelters
“We’re here when people are ready. We’re not just providing beds - we’re offering consistency, safety and human connection." |
Anyone wanting to stay at the winter shelter must complete a simple assessment with The Salvation Army Homelessness Services – Gippsland. To make an appointment, call 03 5667 5220, 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and ask to be assessed for the Bass Coast Winter Shelter. |
The shelter opens on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights in Cowes, offering guests:
Wendy said community support has been vital. “We’ve been blown away by the support received from the community. Locals have really stepped up - volunteering, donating and spreading the word. It’s been amazing.”
The Inter Church Council of Phillip Island has also been guided by Stable One, a Victorian charity that helps communities set up winter shelters. Stable One’s support and experience have been instrumental in getting the Bass Coast Winter Shelter off the ground.
While the winter shelter team encourages public awareness, community members are asked to not directly approach individuals experiencing homelessness or pressure them to call. The team asks locals to simply help spread the word that the Bass Coast Winter Shelter is open and ready to support.
For more information, or to become a trained volunteer for the overnight shift, contact Wendy Elson on 0492 859 637.
- A friendly pick-up from Cowes Transit Centre
- A hot, home-cooked evening meal
- A safe place to sleep
- Access to showers and laundry facilities
- A light breakfast before heading off in the morning.
Wendy said community support has been vital. “We’ve been blown away by the support received from the community. Locals have really stepped up - volunteering, donating and spreading the word. It’s been amazing.”
The Inter Church Council of Phillip Island has also been guided by Stable One, a Victorian charity that helps communities set up winter shelters. Stable One’s support and experience have been instrumental in getting the Bass Coast Winter Shelter off the ground.
While the winter shelter team encourages public awareness, community members are asked to not directly approach individuals experiencing homelessness or pressure them to call. The team asks locals to simply help spread the word that the Bass Coast Winter Shelter is open and ready to support.
For more information, or to become a trained volunteer for the overnight shift, contact Wendy Elson on 0492 859 637.