The Bass Coast Winter Shelter committee hopes to open a service in Wonthaggi next year.
By Denise Dillon
The Bass Coast Winter Shelter Committee has revealed plans to expand a winter shelter for homeless people into Wonthaggi next year.
The committee hopes to build support for a Wonthaggi shelter to complement the existing Cowes shelter, with the aim of operating both services in 2027.
The community is invited to learn more at an information session at the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday, August 6, coinciding with Homelessness Week.
The Bass Coast Winter Shelter Committee has revealed plans to expand a winter shelter for homeless people into Wonthaggi next year.
The committee hopes to build support for a Wonthaggi shelter to complement the existing Cowes shelter, with the aim of operating both services in 2027.
The community is invited to learn more at an information session at the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday, August 6, coinciding with Homelessness Week.
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The Cowes shelter, which opened last year, provides three nights' accommodation a week during the winter months.
Bass Coast Winter Shelter chair David Rooks said it had shown what could be achieved when churches, volunteers and community organisations worked together. |
Winter Shelter Info Session When: Thursday, August 6, 3-4.30pm Where: Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre, 6 Murray Street All welcome. |
"Establishing a shelter in Cowes has created the governance structure needed to support future shelters across Bass Coast.
"We'd like to build on that success so we can offer more nights of shelter and reach more people in need of a warm, safe place to stay during the coldest months of the year," Mr Rooks said.
Housing Matters Wonthaggi's Liz Jacobs says homelessness is often seen as a city problem, but many people in Bass Coast are experiencing housing insecurity, couch surfing or sleeping in cars.
The information session will outline the history of the Bass Coast Winter Shelter and the committee's vision for a Wonthaggi shelter.
Guest speakers Katherine Kirkwood, chief executive of Stable One, and Stable One consultant Dr David Wilson will explain how community-run winter shelters operate and the role local volunteers play in supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Mr Rooks said the project was about more than providing a bed for the night.
"It's about creating a community where people know they're not alone. We know there are people in Bass Coast doing it tough, and we know there are many people who want to help."
The information session is open to anyone interested in learning more about homelessness in Bass Coast or supporting the winter shelter program.
"We'd like to build on that success so we can offer more nights of shelter and reach more people in need of a warm, safe place to stay during the coldest months of the year," Mr Rooks said.
Housing Matters Wonthaggi's Liz Jacobs says homelessness is often seen as a city problem, but many people in Bass Coast are experiencing housing insecurity, couch surfing or sleeping in cars.
The information session will outline the history of the Bass Coast Winter Shelter and the committee's vision for a Wonthaggi shelter.
Guest speakers Katherine Kirkwood, chief executive of Stable One, and Stable One consultant Dr David Wilson will explain how community-run winter shelters operate and the role local volunteers play in supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Mr Rooks said the project was about more than providing a bed for the night.
"It's about creating a community where people know they're not alone. We know there are people in Bass Coast doing it tough, and we know there are many people who want to help."
The information session is open to anyone interested in learning more about homelessness in Bass Coast or supporting the winter shelter program.
Community rallies for winter shelter
May 19, 2026 - Inside a Cowes church homeless people can enjoy a hot evening meal, dormitory-style accommodation and showers.
May 19, 2026 - Inside a Cowes church homeless people can enjoy a hot evening meal, dormitory-style accommodation and showers.