The initiative is led by the volunteer-run Benalla Homelessness Response Group, with strong support from local churches.
Once volunteer and leadership training is complete, starting with the first induction on June 9 in collaboration with the Wangaratta Night Shelter, The Welcome Place will operate two nights per week.
Its location will be the Benalla Anglican Church on Arundel St, and it will provide overnight shelter and a hot evening meal.
Kate Holmes, chair of BHRG, said that as The Welcome Place team recruited volunteers and other buildings became available, the shelter would extend its operation.
“We have been working towards opening a night shelter for Benalla for a number of years,” Ms Holmes said.
“Wang Night Shelter and Zac’s Place have provided invaluable support along the way, as have a number of churches, organisations, businesses and individuals within Benalla.
“We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers and supporters. We cannot do this volunteer work without the full team on board — so thank you.”
Wangaratta Night Shelter co-ordinator and director of Zac’s Place Di Duursma said she had been pleased to offer support to BHRG.
“The Wang night shelter opens next week, on Monday, Thursday and Friday nights,” she said.
“As soon as we have enough volunteers we’ll also open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We’re really excited that, even though we’ve kind of lost our Benalla volunteers, we feel like we’ve sewn them into the Benalla shelter, and we’re so excited to see it happening here.”
To get the project up and running, the Benalla night shelter is seeking caring community members to join the volunteer team.
The Welcome Place will need cooks and people who can volunteer during evenings and overnight.
A community lay-by has been set up at Benalla Mitre 10 to purchase stretcher beds required for the night shelter.
Community members can donate towards the cost of the beds by visiting the Bi-Rite desk at Benalla Mitre 10.
For any other donations, to volunteer or learn more, visit the Benalla Homelessness Response Group Facebook page or send a text to 0494 134 957.
Shelter opening hours and further details will be confirmed as training progresses.
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