THE Bass Coast winter shelter is now open and welcoming guests for the 2025 winter season, offering people experiencing homelessness a safe, warm and caring place to stay.

Running Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights in Cowes, the winter shelter offers much more than just a bed. Guests receive:

• A friendly pick-up from Cowes Transit Centre
• A hot, home-cooked evening meal
• A safe place to sleep
• Access to showers and laundry facilities
• A light breakfast before heading off in the morning.

An initiative of the Inter Church Council Phillip Island, the winter shelter is run entirely by local volunteers - people from across the community who have stepped forward, trained up and are ready to offer a listening ear, a warm meal and a welcoming space.

“We know that building trust takes time,” said Wendy Elson, Project Coordinator. “We’re here when people are ready. We’re not just providing beds - we’re offering consistency, safety and human connection.”

While it’s been a gentle start - with just a few bookings and some cancellations - the team sees that as a positive. It’s given time to train volunteers, test systems and get things running smoothly.

“We expected a gentle start, as guests need time to build the confidence to give it a go. We also know that some people experiencing homelessness prefer to hear about others’ experiences before deciding to stay at shelters,” explains Wendy.

Wendy adds, “The past few weeks have been a great opportunity to fine-tune everything and make sure we’re ready for the weeks ahead, and we are. The winter shelter is now fully equipped and ready, with new facilities like a portable shower up and running.”

Anyone wanting to stay at the winter shelter must first complete a simple assessment with The Salvation Army Homelessness Services - Gippsland. To make an appointment, call 03 5667 5220, 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and ask to be assessed for the Bass Coast Winter Shelter.

Community support has been fundamental to the establishment of the winter shelter. 

“We’ve been blown away by the support received from the community. Locals have really stepped up - volunteering, donating and spreading the word. It’s been nothing short of amazing. The winter shelter would be impossible without this support,” Wendy said.

The Inter Church Council of Phillip Island has also been guided by Stable One, a Victorian charity that helps communities set up winter shelters. Stable One’s support and experience have been instrumental in getting the Bass Coast Winter Shelter off the ground.

While the winter shelter team encourages public awareness, community members are asked not to directly approach individuals experiencing homelessness or pressure them to call. The team asks locals to simply help spread the word that the Bass Coast Winter Shelter is open and ready to support.

For more information or to become a trained volunteer for the overnight shift, contact Wendy Elson on 0492 859 637.