Providing a safe, warm haven for Bendigo’s most vulnerable
BY LERISSE SMITH
This year’s chilly Victorian winter has seen record numbers of people desperate for a safe roof over their heads turn to the Bendigo Winter Night Shelter (BWNS).
At the heart of that growing need, the Salvos Bendigo Corps in regional Victoria has had about 30 people each night seeking a safe and warm place, with the shelter open from June through mid-September.
“There are numerous people really struggling in life,” says Captain Ashir Morris, Bendigo Corps Officer.
“I have seen people who are facing violence from their family. We had one guy who lost his mother, and his other family just kicked him out of the house. It was the worst case. Our chaplain helped with that case. It took us two days to sort everything out. There was violence involved, mental health and drug issues.”
For The Salvation Army, the need is not new.
The Salvos initiated the winter shelter many years ago after recognising the need to provide warmth and shelter during the winter months for people experiencing homelessness. Bendigo Winter Night Shelter is now a separate organisation, but the Bendigo Salvos still play a key part.
Ashir has been involved with the shelter for the past two years, and has seen the good that happens when organisations come together to help those in need.
“I became involved in the winter shelter because Christ’s love inspires me to love others,” he reflects. “Especially those who society sees as less than.”
During the coldest months, the BWNS provides crisis accommodation at a local Scout camp for men and women experiencing homelessness. It is a collaborative initiative involving the BWNS team, local churches, volunteers, community organisations, and supporters. There are 14 churches involved, along with a variety of volunteers.
The Scout Camp provides accommodation, meals, laundry, and bathroom facilities. Before guests settle in for the night, Bendigo Corps provides a welcoming space and pick-up point for those staying at the shelter. Corps volunteers and supervisors provide food, fellowship and a listening ear before guests are picked up to be taken to the Scout Camp. The corps doors open at 3pm, and guests arrive between 3pm and 5pm to be picked up at 5.30pm by the shelter bus.
“People who enter our church foyer are going through a tough time,” Ashir explains.
“We turn on the heaters. There are also games, coffee, and snacks. Lunch can also be provided. Our volunteers serve them, sit with them. We are also fortunate having chaplains on site, and our chaplains are also a part of supervising the space at times. There is availability of chaplains to guests and people with challenging behaviours. We also have a community engagement worker who has been able to support people finding their way back into community.”
Behind many of those arrivals lies another struggle.
Ashir says many people who come through the doors of the corps on their way to the shelter have mental health issues.
“Our chaplains are doing an amazing job facilitating them,” he says. “If people can’t be part of the shelter, our chaplains can help connect them to other services.”
Once guests reach the Scout Camp, Ashir said they are welcomed into a safe environment where warmth, respect and hospitality are prioritised.
A typical evening includes arrival and sign-in, a shared evening meal, access to showers and facilities, and a safe, heated place to sleep.
Keeping the night running smoothly, volunteers from various churches and organisations support the nightly routine and help maintain a calm, respectful environment.
And the support extends beyond the shelter itself.
The shelter also works with local service providers to help connect guests with housing support, health services, and other assistance where appropriate.
Ashir said that each winter season, the shelter provided hundreds of safe overnight stays and thousands of volunteer hours.
“This support helps people stay safe during winter and creates opportunities for connection with housing and support services,” he says. “The shelter exists because the community chooses to work together to support those experiencing homelessness.”
