A love for people, and a general habit of chatting with those who are homeless, prompted Croydon Hills Baptist Church member Ken Weller to join Maroondah Winter Shelter as a volunteer when it began in 2018.

Ken was drawn to the program’s goals of providing shelter, food and honour to the homeless in his local area, at a time of year when freezing temperatures can add to the discouraging circumstances in which people sometimes find themselves.

“Anyone with two ears and eyes and a mouth can play an important part in the Winter Shelter program – that’s all you need to be a helpful volunteer! I’ve found that most of the guys who come to stay want to share what’s going on in their lives, but they just need someone to spend time with them and listen to their story, and to love them the way they are.”

Seven churches in Maroondah participate each year in Winter Shelter by providing overnight accommodation to males aged over 18 years. It runs from June 1 until August 31 – around 12 weeks. Potential clients are assessed and referred to the program by professionals from local community support service organisations, Uniting Ringwood, and Wellways.

Last year, the shelter program across Maroondah provided a bed 557 times to a total of 37 men – some staying a night or two, and some for the whole program. To make this happen, it took 327 volunteers who did a range of jobs: cooking, washing, setting up beds, driving buses, spending time with clients to make them feel safe and comfortable, and more. There is always a great need for more volunteers, and people can lend a hand for as many hours as they like.

In 2023 several homeless men secured jobs, and some found long-term accommodation during their time with Winter Shelter. A local dentist provided free care to a dozen men, worth hundreds of dollars.

Ken said he has met some amazing people – both clientele and volunteers – during his work at the Shelter. “This is an absolutely awesome program. It’s a very encouraging environment with all the volunteers and the clients. People look out for each other and there’s always a bit of banter or a joke – never at anyone’s expense, but we have a lot of fun.”

He said training is key for new volunteers because it enables them to see how the program runs, the protocols involved, and gives a chance to question those who have volunteered before. “Before Winter Shelter first started, I was slightly hesitant wondering what type of blokes we would be spending the night with – I didn’t have much idea of what the program would be like. Knowing the process now, I have no hesitation about being a volunteer due to the professionals who support the program, the quality of training, and the expectations we have on staff and on the guys that come along.”

Ken continues to catch up with some of the homeless men to have a chat, check on their wellbeing and offer further assistance if needed.

For information on Winter Shelter or to sign up, visit wintershelter.org.au/volunteer. Ken is happy to talk with potential volunteers on what the program is like – email kenweller007@gmail.com