As winter drew to a close, so too did the Shepparton Winter Night Shelter, concluding its mission to offer the homeless warm meals and a chance for social interaction.
Supported by seven local faith communities and several volunteers, the shelter sought to provide more than just nourishment; it became a haven of warmth, companionship, and communal spirit throughout the colder months.
“It’s been challenging only having a few people each night,” shelter board member and St Brendan’s Catholic Church representative Kathy Hunt said.
Mrs Hunt also noted that despite lower attendance, the impact remained substantial.
The initiative, which successfully operated amidst substantial funding secured three years prior, saw nights where only a single individual would turn up, but to Mrs Hunt and the team, feeding even one person held immeasurable value.
“If we’re helping one or two people, that’s important,” she said.
Winter Night Shelter board member Joan McRae, who has been present for the meal distribution every day apart from one and sends weekly newsletters to all the volunteers, said that the food is never wasted.
“Sometimes people will take three home,” she said.
With the fluctuating attendance and changing dynamics in the area, discussions about re-evaluating the venue for next year’s operations have begun to surface.
Mrs Hunt mentioned the option of “a shopfront or something that‘s in town where people can come in and be out of the weather”, while emphasising the need to maintain a safe and accessible environment.
“One of the reasons we chose the lake was because we have access to the barbecues; it’s an open area, so everybody can feel safe,” she said.
An important part of the shelter’s journey has been the community involvement at various levels, including contributions from different community groups such as Shepparton’s Filipino community, churches, and those who aren’t attached to a particular faith.
Mrs Hunt also highlighted that the shelter’s doors were open to anyone in need.
“This isn’t just for the homeless; it’s for anybody who would like a meal,” she said.
For many in Shepparton, the shelter has been much more than just a place to find a warm meal — it has been a place of community, warmth, and vital social connection during the colder months.
Chris Blizzard, a regular at the shelter who lives in his car, emphasised this.
“I think that the Winter Night Shelter is great. I volunteer at the Salvation Army, and I don’t necessarily rely on this meal, but some people do,” he said.
“I’ve met so many people. It’s really great to come here.”