For the first time this winter, Warm Up sites will help protect the health and wellbeing of the state’s most vulnerable during cold, wet and windy conditions.
Central to the State Government’s 2023 Homelessness Winter Strategy is the introduction of grants of up to $10,000, to support local community groups open daytime Warm Up sites, where people can get shelter from the cold, get a hot meal and drink and connect to other services.
The grants are now available via the State’s Homelessness Alliances, who will partner with other services, including the Department of Human Services and local councils, to identify emerging rough sleeper locations and activate Warm Up sites across the state – particularly in regional areas where support services are more limited.
Community gathering spaces, including community centres and halls, are ideal locations for Warm Up sites. Each site to decide what is most useful to local communities, but in addition to a warm space and hot food, they may also provide warm clothing and blankets.
The grants and Warm Up sites are in addition to other established responses such as outreach and extreme winter weather event Code Blues, where additional shelter is already provided to keep people experiencing homelessness stay safe and dry this winter.
The strategy comes on the back of an additional $115 million in funding for the five Homelessness Alliances providing dedicated support services for people experiencing homelessness, including homelessness caused by Domestic and Family Violence, over the next two years.
Setting up community based warm up sites will act as a link between community groups and homeless services, strengthening the homeless network and capacity within it, and increasing the visibility of rough sleepers in local areas.
As always, Homeless Connect SA 1800 003 308 operates 24 hours every day of the year to help connect people experiencing homelessness with assistance.
Following issues raised during the Government’s series of Country Cabinet meetings, regional homelessness information toolkits will be circulated across regions so that communities and local councils have information if asked for help.
Key aims of the 2023 Homelessness Winter Strategy include:
- Divert people from exposure to the cold
- Increase the visibility of rough sleepers over the winter
- Tap into current social and physical infrastructure to provide shelter and warmth
- Improve communication when extreme weather responses are required
- Use local approaches where possible
- Reduce presentations to Emergency Departments
Minister for Human Services Nat Cook says that “We know that cold weather presents increased risk to those people sleeping rough. These daytime Warm Up sites will not only help people gather safely out of the cold during the winter, but the strategy also increases their visibility to the homeless Alliances.”
“They are a chance for alliance staff to continue or establish relationships with rough sleepers and identify what services might be of assistance. This innovation builds on what we already do and the outreach programs and initiatives run by our wonderful alliances, SAHA and other services.”
“We wanted to do something different and activate the community. The aim is to bring more people out of the cold, preventing conditions such as hypothermia, preventing worsening and chronic health conditions due to sleeping rough.”
“It is really important that if people are approaching someone for help that they are making their own choices and that the community is supported to provide the best assistance they can when asked for help.”
SA Housing Trust Board Presiding Member Mary Patetsos AM says “We know that for many people who are sleeping rough, it may be the first time they have experienced homelessness. These Warm Up sites, while helping incredibly vulnerable people stay warm in winter, are an opportunity for services to make contact, establish a rapport with people, and try and assist them out of homelessness.”
For more information, click here.
More News
