Plans are underway for a 2025 Bass Coast Winter Shelter.

The proposed winter shelter will support those in the community experiencing homelessness. Organised by the Interchurch Council of Phillip Island, the winter shelter will use church buildings to provide an evening meal, dormitory style accommodation and a safe place of care and connection.

It's anticipated the 2025 Bass Coast Winter Shelter will offer up to three nights accommodation each week, in Cowes throughout June, July and August.

The winter shelter will rely on a group of trained volunteers. These volunteers will staff the winter shelter each night it is offered, and will be fundamental to making this initiative possible.

Each evening there will be three shifts, the set up/evening, overnight and breakfast shifts.

Wendy Elson, Winter Shelter Project Co-ordinator, said gathering a group of dedicated volunteers was essential for the project.

"To make a practical difference during the coldest months, we will need a dedicated team of volunteers who will work in a wide range of roles including drivers, cooking help, overnight roles, admin support and more.

"If you'd like to volunteer email wintersheltervol@gmail.com and we'll send you an application form."

Guests from all over Bass Coast will be eligible to access the winter shelter. All guests will be assessed for suitability. It's anticipated that this process will be managed by the Salvation Army Homelessness Services - Gippsland who are specialists in this area.

The winter shelter project aims to develop a means of transport to assist guests to access the churches providing the accommodation on the island.

Supported by experts

Stable One, a registered charity that has successfully operated the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter since its inception in 2017, is supporting plans for the 2025 Bass Coast Winter Shelter.

With a mission to help the church walk alongside those experiencing homelessness, Stable One has gone on to support other shelters to open across Australia.

"Stable One's winter shelter vision is more than a place to stay and this vision helps explain why communities such as ours run a winter shelter program," explained Wendy.

"The program will provide overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness and in need of crisis accommodation. It will also offer so much more. It will be a place of welcome and care and will build relationships with guests, allowing us to journey with those who want support and encouragement towards a more stable living situation."

Experience from other shelters across Victoria and Australia shows there is no additional influx to the area of people experiencing homelessness.

"By replicating Stable One's winter shelter model, that has been tried and tested, we will make a real-life difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness in our area," says David Rooks, Chair of Winter Shelter Committee.

A community collaboration

Plans for the 2025 Bass Coast Winter Shelter is an initiative that evolved from the homelessness think tank forums run by Bass Coast Shire Council in 2023.

It is underpinned by the churches that form the Interchurch Council of Phillip Island including the Uniting, Baptist, Anglican, Catholic, Surf Church and Equip Church.

Assisting the churches to deliver the Winter Shelter are Bass Coast Shire Council, Salvation Army Homelessness Services - Gippsland, Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) and Housing Matters Bass Coast (HMBC) which is auspiced by Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre (WNC).

"This is a major community collaboration. It shows just how many organisations support the vision and values of the winter shelter and the hope it offers those experiencing homelessness," said Liz Jacobs, Bass Coast Housing Matters.

As plans come together for the Bass Coast Winter Shelter more information on the initiative will become available including volunteer recruitment information and training.

Volunteering enquires, please email: wintersheltervol@gmail.com

All other inquiries including how donate or to assist the proposed 2025 Winter Shelter contact Wendy Elson, Project Co-ordinator, on 0492 859 637.