A safe, warm and welcoming place for people in need of emergency overnight shelter, kindness, and respect.
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Queanbeyan Safe Shelter is a ministry of the Uniting Church in Australia in partnership with St Benedict's Community Centre, who refer all our guests.
The shelter needs volunteers who have a passion for helping homeless people in Queanbeyan. You do not need to be a member of a church to join. Various volunteer positions are available, from being part of the management team, an overnight volunteer, or a set up and tea/coffee maker.
The greatest need right now is for overnight volunteers, male and female, as the shelter will open a second night during mid winter (June to August).
Overnight volunteers arrive at 6.30pm to set up the rooms for guests. They greet the guests, who arrive around 7pm, show guests to their sleeping area, and where facilities are situated.
Guests are offered tea, coffee and biscuits and are made to feel welcome.
Some guests like to go to sleep straight away, others like to chat, while others like to watch TV or read.
Overnight volunteers sleep on an inflatable mattress with a swag (or their own sleeping bag if preferred) as do our guests. Lights out is 10pm.
When guests leave at 7am the next day, they are given a breakfast voucher from a participating cafe where they can have a warm breakfast.
They head back to St Benedict’s at 9am, where they are also given a swag to take with them.
After the guests have left, the overnight volunteers pack up and make sure the rooms are tidy before they leave to start their own busy day.
Setting up and tea/coffee making volunteers arrive at 6.30pm to help prepare rooms for guests. They make coffee, tea and biscuits for guests and can stay till 10pm (lights out) or leave at any time once guests are settled
Volunteers are required to attend a free, one-night training and information course, which runs for about two hours, to decide whether it’s right for you.
Volunteers will then be placed on a roster and called when needed.
Training will be on a date to be determined, 7pm to 9pm at Queanbeyan Uniting Church, 13 Rutledge Street; a second training session if needed.
It’s an informative session and also a bit of fun. Supper is provided. The 2019 season opens on Tuesday April 30.
- If you’re interested come along to the training night or if you need more information please call 6297 9046 or safeshelterqbn@gmail.com
June Lawrence is the coordinator of Queanbeyan Safe Shelter.
