Winter Shelters
Winter Shelter Model
Stable One’s shelter model enables churches of all denominations to offer a coordinated approach to the increasing problem of homelessness by offering hospitality and making a practical difference during the coldest time of year.
Church buildings are used to provide food and shelter to people experiencing homelessness, with seven church communities each responsible for one evening per week. Each partner church identifies a Venue Coordinator and provides the food and cooks for the evening meal, as well as a self-serve breakfast.
Volunteers, both from local churches and the community, come together to staff the Shelter, working at any venue according to their availability. This allows numerically small churches to partner in the project. Policies and procedures are implemented consistently across each venue.
The Project is managed by a Management Committee made up of the Project Coordinator, a Volunteer Coordinator, Venue Coordinators and a Secretary. Additional members could be a Deputy Coordinator, Prayer Coordinator or Media & Communications Assistant.
A trailer or van is used to house other equipment and bedding which is moved each day between venues (stretcher beds/inflatable mattresses, games, towels, toiletries, bedding etc.).
The positive outcomes to running a Winter Shelter can be many and varied. Not only does a Winter Shelter offer a place of shelter, care and refreshment to guests, it also provides an opportunity to journey alongside those who want support and encouragement towards a more stable living situation. Positive relationships are often built, and a sense of community is established, both with guests and between volunteers.
The Winter Shelter project is also effective in increasing awareness in the church and in the community of the issues and challenges that people face when they don't have a permanent and stable living situation. This increased understanding often proves to reduce the judgement and stigma that so often surrounds homelessness.
To find out more about how we can help you start a shelter, and to learn about our Winter Shelter Network, click here.
“Participating in Stable One has provided members of our church yet another avenue to demonstrate the love of Jesus towards people in our community. One aspect of this ministry that I admire is that we are able to serve in unison, focusing on Kingdom goals, through a wide variety of people expressing an equally diverse number of skills. We want our Stable One guests to be shown care and compassion during the challenging winter months – all without regard to waving a denominational flag.”
Michael Drennan, Pastor, Mooroolbark Baptist Church
Click the sound bar below to listen to ABC Southern Queensland's interview with a guest of the Toowoomba Winter Shelter.
Find a Shelter
Interested in volunteering or staying as a guest? Find your local shelter here.