Bass Coast rallies together to make the Phillip Island Homelessness shelter a reality

The Bass Coast Winter Shelter program on Phillip Island is almost ready to open its doors.

There are now 44 local volunteers trained to support the operation of the shelter program, which will provide 10 beds for people experiencing homelessness. Each bed is available for  up to three nights of accommodation.

The shelter will run from June to August.

The beds will be based at a yet to be determined church in Cowes. Guests will be served an evening meal and be able to connect with other people experiencing homelessness, and a variety of service providers.

The community wants to make a difference

Project Co-ordinator of the shelter, Wendy Elson, told the Monitor they wanted to teach volunteers “how to offer real hospitality, not with our own agendas, but simply offer a place of warmth and shelter and belonging”.

Wendy said the number of people wanting to be involved was heartwarming.

“There's a lot of people in the community who would just like to be able to do something. When you look at homelessness, it's such an overwhelming topic and sometimes it feels like it’s just too hard for anybody to tackle, but if all of us are tackling it at some small level then we can contribute to making a difference to people.”

The initiative is organised by the Interchurch Council of Phillip Island and affiliated with Stable One, a charity that offers crisis accommodation for individuals facing homelessness.

Stable One assists in running seven Winter Shelters in Victoria and Queensland.

The volunteers received training in trauma-informed care, mental health, shelter operations and safety protocols. The goal is to provide compassionate, informed support.

The program will be open to people from across the Bass Coast region, with all guests “assessed for suitability to ensure safety and wellbeing for all involved”.

Winter shelter volunteer Sandra Dentry said “many people are struggling to make ends meet” on Phillip Island. 

“There are a variety of people experiencing homelessness here, but unlike the city it’s hidden. I often meet women, just like me. We are all vulnerable, any one of us could experience homelessness in our lifetime.”

Homelessness on Phillip Island

Michael is a Phillip Island resident who has been experiencing homelessness since September last year.

"It wasn’t a crisis or a major event,” he explained. “I had a good job but just couldn’t find a rental that would accept me and my dog. It wasn’t about money - it was about availability and suitability. I’m living in my car now and doing my best to stay respectful and move around.”

Michael said the shelter was “a borderline necessity. Homelessness isn’t always caused by crises. Sometimes, it’s just the harsh reality of the housing market today”.

According to data from the Gippsland Homelessness Network, in 2024 there were 7,179 households on the Victorian Housing Register Priority Access lists for Gippsland.

There were 469 employed people who accessed homelessness support or services in Gippsland.

Asking for community support

Organisers are now calling on the community to help raise the final $8,000 needed to reach the $20,000 target for the shelter.

A Wonthaggi resident donated $3,700 toward essential permits. Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre Inc. provided a trailer for daily operations and other donations have helped purchase bedding and supplies. 

There has been financial support from service providers, churches, community groups and many others.

"This is a true community effort," Elson said. “Now we’re reaching out to everyone - every dollar helps. Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly to essentials like food and heating.”

To donate or learn more, visit: www.basscoastwintershelter.wordpress.com