Bass Coast Winter Shelter returns

After the success of last year’s pilot season, the Bass Coast Winter Shelter will reopen in Cowes in June 2026, strengthened by new partnerships and increased confidence.

“What we achieved last year was significant,” explains David Rooks, Chair of the Bass Coast Winter Shelter.

“At the outset we said that if we made a difference in the life of one person, we would be happy. And we did. One of our guests moved into permanent housing. That alone makes the effort worthwhile.”

The 2025 season provided eight weeks of safe, overnight accommodation which included access to shower facilities, an evening meal, breakfast and, most importantly, a connection with people and community.

David says the experience of the inaugural year provided key insights.

“When we look back on last season it really was a pilot.

We learned so much.

We’re now starting from a much stronger footing.

We’re a large and resourceful team, made up of mainly volunteers, and this year, we have the advantage of already having permits and processes in place.

“This gives us great confidence heading into 2026,” explains David.

The shelter is already working to increase connections with local service providers and those experiencing homelessness. This includes closer collaboration with Bayside Health (formerly Bass Coast Health) to help connect more people with the shelter.

Highlighting that both funding and volunteers are essential for the shelter to operate, David said “We were blown away by the support and generosity of the community last year”.

“We hope for the same community support this year through volunteering and financial donations. This is a community-led response and it only works because of the many generous locals that step forward.”

Community information session

If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering or supporting the 2026 season you’re invited to attend an information session on Friday March 27, 4pm to 5.30pm, at PICAL, 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes.

The session will provide practical information, while volunteer training sessions in late May will focus on the human element of the shelter and the importance of walking alongside those experiencing homelessness with dignity and care.

The Bass Coast Winter Shelter will offer overnight crisis accommodation for up to 10 guests a night, for people who are experiencing homelessness and aged 25 years and older.

The shelter will operate three nights a week – open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from 6pm – throughout June, July and August.

It will offer guests a shower, evening meal, bed and breakfast and will operate from the Uniting Church in Cowes.

All guests are screened for suitability by the Salvation Army Homelessness Services-Gippsland, who are specialists in this area.

With no government funding, the Bass Coast Winter Shelter is community-driven. The winter shelter relies entirely on the generosity of local people, businesses and community groups.

If you’re able to support this community initiative and wish to donate go to basscoastwintershelter.wordpress.com/

More information is also available via the winter shelter website.

Alternatively, email wintershelterchair@gmail.com or call the Project Coordinator on 0492 859 637.