To ensure it can offer a safe place for local people to get a roof over their heads during the coldest nights of the year, the Benalla Homelessness Response Group is keen for new volunteers, and assistance.
The Welcome Place Night Shelter will run again from June 1 to August 31.
BHRG president Kate Holmes said that as the cold season approached, demand for assistance was increasing.
“We are joined this year by four churches in Benalla, offering seven nights of shelter each week over winter,” she said.
“This important project will keep people off the streets, bringing community reconnection, warmth and a good hot meal to those experiencing homelessness.
“We are currently looking for volunteers to help us open the doors.
“There will be meal time, evening and overnight volunteer shifts.”
If you would like to learn more, pop along to BHRG’s Winter Shelter Community Information Night, from 5.30pm on Wednesday, April 29 at Benalla Library.
Anglican Parish of Benalla Vicar Melissa Clarke said Holy Trinity Anglican Church had been a place of welcome for people for over 160 years.
“We’re so pleased to be able to extend that welcome even further to those who are in need of a place to sleep and some good food in their bellies,” she said.
“Our guiding mission in all things is to offer love to our neighbour, and the Winter Night Shelter is one more opportunity for us to do so.”
Benalla Salvation Army corps officer Ben Anderson said the Welcome Place was vital to those that needed help.
“Benalla Salvation Army are pleased to be on board for the Welcome Place in 2026,” he said.
“This program is exactly where the Salvos want to be engaged with our community — wherever there is hardship or injustice.”
You can message the Benalla Homelessness Response Group - BHRG Inc on Facebook with the word ‘volunteer’ to receive the link to its volunteer registration page.
All volunteers will need a current Working with Children Check.
If you are keen to join the team, please make sure your WWCC is up to date, or apply for one via service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children
There is also a Welcome Place Night Shelter fundraiser coming up. There will be a family-friendly bush dance on Friday, May 29 at the Presbyterian Church Hall with local band Bally Kiel. This will be a catered event, with tickets going on sale soon.
Current needs
Tins of baked beans, tins of tuna, toothpaste, long-life full-cream milk, cordial, muesli bars, fruit bars, fruit cups, beef jerky, tuna and crackers.
Donations are gratefully accepted in the BHRG trolley at Woolworths Benalla.
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