AN INNOVATIVE program hopes to maintain relationships built between volunteers and people sleeping rough as it draws to a close for the year.
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Bendigo Winter Night Shelter marked its final night offering people sleeping rough a bed, a meal and dignity on Saturday night with a thanksgiving service.
The program saw 14 churches open their doors to host people experiencing homelessness during the cold months.
A weekend drop in centre is one way volunteers might keep up support to guests of the program.
The shelter provided more than 600 nights of sleep, to 33 guests. On average seven guests attended each of the 92 nights.
About 270 volunteers were involved in running the project.
Program coordinator Lachlan Weir said the program had made a huge difference for guests, in both the short and long term.
"Their quality of living and their mental wellbeing has been greatly improved," he said.
"In the long term it's knowing that there are people who care about them, who love them, who are praying for them and want the best for them, it really has lifted their spirits.
"It's a great encouragement to them, and hopefully it'll be a support for them going forward. Knowing there are people they can turn to in crisis, if they need some support day-to-day. They can call on us."
Mr Weir said the Winter Night Shelter hoped to coordinate more with other services, and maybe find a way to offer more continuous support for those sleeping rough.
Mr Weir said a drop in centre might be a way to maintain relationships with guests.
He said it would be a place they could come to for a few hours to get a cup of coffee.
"During the week there are a lot of services they can call upon. On the weekends especially there's really nothing for the homeless. Services are closed. The library's closed, there's really nowhere to go," he said.
Mr Weir said the Winter Night Shelter hoped to run again in 2020, much the same as it is now but with perhaps a few extra beds.
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