South Australia has entered a statewide Code Blue response, with extra support being rolled out for people sleeping rough as a prolonged stretch of freezing winter weather sweeps across the state.
The Code Blue activation is in place from 9am on Wednesday, July 15th until 10am on Sunday, July 19th, with homelessness services expanding operations to help vulnerable South Australians stay safe during the cold snap.
During the activation, services across the state may provide extended outreach, increased staffing, practical assistance, like warm clothing, food, water and blankets, as well as safe places for people to escape the severe weather. Overnight accommodation or emergency shelter may also be available in some areas.
People sleeping rough, or anyone concerned about someone who may need assistance, can contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 at any time, seven days a week, to find out what support is available.
Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard shared, “Code Blue activations increase support for community members who most need us.
“We know cold weather creates heightened risk for people sleeping rough. This activation is about offering people somewhere warm and safe to stay, along with the practical support they need during the most severe conditions.”
Forecasts indicate bitterly cold temperatures will continue through to the weekend, prompting authorities to encourage anyone sleeping rough to access available services.
“We don’t want people to have to face that outside without support. Code Blue puts in place extra outreach, more practical aid and safe places to shelter for as long as these conditions last.”
The activation also provides additional resources to frontline homelessness organisations, allowing outreach teams to spend more time connecting with vulnerable people and delivering essential supplies.
“Homelessness services and outreach workers are out there in the cold, night after night, supporting those who most need a hand. Code Blue gives these compassionate workers what they need to extend their hours and reach more people, which over the coming days means more outreach, more blankets, hot food and a warm place to go.”
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