HOMELESS people in the Ulladulla region are bracing themselves for a cold and difficult winter and the situation is fast becoming a crisis.
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Many homeless people turn to the Safe Waters Community Care Incorporated's shelter, which was established late last year in Ulladulla, for support.
Shelter founder Sarah Date said homelessness is a concern for many communities - including Ulladulla and added the situation was at a crisis point.
"Winter is here whether you'd like to admit it or not Ulladulla has not just a housing crisis but a homeless crisis and it's only going to rise," she said.
"We have been open for six months now and to date, we have assisted 86 people, of these 86 we have been able to provide a bed to 33.
"These are 86 different cases and some include women with children."
The group is doing what it can with limited space and is looking to expand its support.
"We only have limited capacity with four people sharing a room (two-bedroom house), so the other people who we couldn't give a bed to, miss out and have had to sleep in tents or in their cars," Sarah said.
"We need a more suitable building with separate rooms.
"Our building at the Groundswell Church property is well underway but we need another building separate to that in order to separate the men from women if possible.
"A motel style would be perfect."
The shelter is run by volunteers and Safe Waters is always looking for more helpers.
"Our volunteers are loving being a part of Safe Waters and we've built a tight-knit community team," Sarah said.
"Both guests and volunteers have provided positive reviews saying it feels like family. New volunteers are needed and we thank everyone for their continued support."
Related: Shelter hosts an open day
The community and various groups are supportive of Safe Waters.
"A local charity "Men at Work" held a fundraiser and donated $5, 200 to Safe Waters," Sarah said.
"Without the support from our community, this would not be possible.
"If anyone would like to assist in any way, be it work on the new building, volunteering, raising money, mentoring, running programs, gardening, admin, applying for grants... the list is endless really and we would love to hear from you."
The group would also love more government support to help provide a suitable building.
Sarah suggested motel owners may like to donate one of their rooms to rent for Safe Waters during winter.
If you can help in any way or want to become a volunteer go to www.safewaterscc.org for more information.
