Opening doors to save lives

When the temperature plummets to almost freezing conditions and the wind and rain builds, Baptist Care SA’s WestCare Centre opens to provide shelter to people experiencing homelessness as part of a South Australian Government declared Code Blue response.  

Portable beds are set up in the chapel to provide overnight safe accommodation to the almost 200 people in South Australia who are experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough. 

So far this year, Baptist Care SA has opened the doors of its WestCare Centre chapel on 20 nights. Each time, an average of 30 people have been given a warm place to sleep, a sleeping bag to keep, a hearty dinner and breakfast and access to showers and a laundry. 

People experiencing homelessness are likely to be experiencing fragile health. When exposed to extreme cold weather they are placed at an increased risk that could see the worst happen.  

By providing overnight accommodation and support, Baptist Care SA is able to help make the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our community just a little easier, as well as potentially save lives.