Having no roof over your head must be one of the most difficult situations a person can find themselves in — and in the winter it’s much worse.
From Monday, June 30, Benalla is home to a night shelter, offering a safe location away from the cold for anyone finding themselves needing help.
The Benalla Homelessness Response Group held its first AGM on Tuesday, June 24 where plans for that night shelter and a range of other programs it operates were discussed.
It also voted in its returning president, Kate Holmes, and a board to assist in the smooth operation of all its initiatives.
“We had a fantastic turnout,” Ms Holmes said.
“Our new committee is myself, vice-president Peter Reid, secretary Rob Berry and our new treasurer, Wendy Baker.
“We also welcomed several new committee members, made up of people who’ve been actively volunteering with our organisation.”
The special guest speaker at the AGM was Megan Waters from Junction Support Services.
“She spoke about the Homes First program, a pilot program that gives wraparound support to individuals who've experienced long-term chronic homelessness,” Ms Holmes said.
“That’s not just about putting a person in a building, it's about a person getting a roof over their head and then having support put in place, like mental health support, alcohol and drug counselling assisting, with financial literacy and helping them get back into the swing of running an everyday household.”
The advice and experience of organisations like Junction Support Services, and the Wangaratta Night Shelter, has assisted BHRG in many of its programs.
One of which is BHRG’s Welcome Place Night Shelter, which will be operating on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Benalla, initially, across two locations.
“And as soon as we have enough volunteers, we’ll also open Sunday night,” Ms Holmes said.
“Sunday and Monday nights will be at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (77 Arundel St).
“Tuesday and Wednesday nights will be at the Benalla Baptist Church (57-59 Bridge St West).
“On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we'll support people to get in contact with the Wangaratta Night Shelter.”
Ms Holmes said the night shelters will be open from 6pm-7am.
“We couldn't have done what we're doing now without the encouragement, support and expertise from other organisations, including one we're now affiliated with, which is the Stable One Winter Night Shelter Network,” she said.
“As well as all the help we’ve had from the local community.
“An example being the community donations and support from people who have purchased beds or pillows or brought down donations of equipment and things we need.
“The support from the Benalla and district community has been incredible and that has funded us to be able to set this night shelter up.
“An example is that the insurance is a huge cost. Without those donations, we couldn’t pay for it.
“And nothing could happen without our incredible volunteers.”
In order to operate all its initiatives, including both night shelters, its food donations and its Welcome Kitchen, which provides meals on a Sunday, BHRG needs more volunteers.
If you are in a position to help, you can email welcomeplacenightshelter@gmail.com or call or text 0494 134 957.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of emergency shelter, you can also reach BHRG via that email and phone number.