Maroondah Winter Shelter Program transforms lives of the homeless

A NETWORK of churches in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs this winter launched a nightly rotating shelter for homeless people — here’s how the program is transforming lives.

HE had it all.

Ringwood’s Vijay, in his 40s, was a nurse working at hospitals across Melbourne with three qualifications to his name.

He suddenly lost his job, turned to alcohol to ease the pain, and his relationship with his wife and three children broke down.

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Served with an intervention order and forced to leave home, he’s been moving between emergency accommodation in rooming houses since January.

When he’s felt unsafe and there’s been no other option, he’s been sleeping next to dumpsters outside units and businesses in Ringwood and Ringwood East.

“It was very cold, I was shivering with a blanket behind rubbish bins,” he said.

“It was safe behind rubbish bins, nobody noticed me then.”

Glenn, saved from the streets in Vermont, kicks back with his book at Winter Shelter. Picture: KIEL EGGING.

But for Vijay, tonight will be different, and so have the last three months.

Instead of lying behind a dumpster on a freezing one-degree night, he and five other men have been welcomed into Croydon Hills Baptist Church with a bed and a three-course meal cooked by kind-hearted volunteers.

It’s part of the Maroondah Winter Shelter program, held for the first time this year by seven churches in Ringwood, Bayswater, Heathmont and Croydon Hills.

The churches modelled the program on the Yarra Ranges’ Stable One initiative, and opened their doors one night a week on a rotating roster.

Each of them has provided a safe haven with food, a bed and support for up to 10 men aged over 24 each night, referred by Wesley Mission.

Others have also come in to offer haircuts, massages and flu injections.

Throughout winter, the program has helped Vijay and 30 other struggling men get back on their feet.

“I came here and it was like a family environment,” he said.

“It was very safe, warm, nice food, and the main thing is at night it’s very cold and I can get away from it when I come here.

“I used to really worry about where I’m going to hide at night, but since I start coming here, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Program co-ordinator Scott Hawkins said the initiative has had a profound effect on its 200 volunteers and their extended family and friends throughout winter.

“When previously they would encounter a homeless person they might be frightened, they might be ignorant, they might not know whether to give money or look them in the eye,” he said.

“Now they know them by name, now they know what they like to eat for dinner, it’s been a remarkable community renewal project.”

Mr Hawkins said there had been lower numbers as the season went on because previous participants found other accommodation.

He said the program would be reviewed and expanded next year.

After being at his lowest point and considering suicide multiple times, Vijay said the program had given him renewed hope and saved his life.

He’ll move into more emergency accommodation this week, but he’s so thankful for Winter Shelter, he wants to come back and volunteer as a chef cooking curries next year.

Vijay also wants those better off to have an open mind and forget the stigmas associated with homeless people.

“They are not bad people, they are very intelligent and educated people some of them, and brilliant also,” he said.

“Glenn (fellow participant) was playing beautiful piano in the morning. I have two degrees and one diploma, it can happen to anybody.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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