As this month draws to a close, we sit in the grief of having lost some precious people. People who were part of the Salt community (directly and indirectly), and another who previously had come through our accommodation, programs and volunteering with us. May has been a little rough. However, it is seasons like these that remind us of the things that really matter and that the presence of grief is the evidence that we have loved.

Love is birthed in the small things, that we are all usually capable of accomplishing. It starts with the willingness to slow down and really see another person, to share a smile, conversation or a meal. To follow that thought about how another is doing and call them, or better still, drop in on them. To give another person the benefit of the doubt, to watch over how we talk about others. To build up instead of tear down. To pull down the walls that divide and instead, include another. To recognise when someone is struggling under the weight of their load and offer a small way of carrying some of it for them.

We are all so good at making judgements about others. What if we were to look past the externals that may at times offend us or be difficult for us to understand, to see a person, another human being, beloved child of God, and risk getting to know them, and allow them to know us?

To hold that space tenderly, without fear.

To open our hearts and love another imperfect person.

Life on this earth is fleeting, unpredictable and yet oh so precious. As we willingly and joyfully extend ourselves to others we will discover a beauty that is eternal and a wealth on earth that only comes out of risking relationship and love for another.

Maybe like us, you will be surprised at discovering this beauty in the most unexpected places.

Much love,

Meg and Pete

The Salt Store continues to provide a wide variety of food for those in our community doing it tough. We could never do this without our wonderful volunteers.

In May, the country celebrated National Volunteer Week, and I would like to honour our amazing volunteers and all they do at the Salt Store. Week after week, rain, hail or shine, they faithfully turn up to serve our community.

This week, during store time, the rain was absolutely bucketing down. It was incredible to see our volunteers simply roll up their sleeves, put smiles on their faces, and continue serving those who came through our doors. Their dedication never ceases to amaze me.

Even when they are soaked from helping people to their cars, freezing cold from standing out in the wind, or have numb fingers from handing out frozen food all morning, they still show up and offer our community so much love, kindness, and joy.

I would love to sincerely thank all of our amazing volunteers for their continued dedication to helping those less fortunate, no matter what the weather throws at them. We could never do what we do without you.

If you are interested in joining one of our fabulous volunteer teams, please send me an email. We would love to hear from you!

Take care,

Donna McIntyre

Salt Store Coordinator

[email protected]

For many people who come through our doors at Salt Care, finding a safe place to sleep is just the beginning of the journey.

Housing instability affects people from all walks of life and for a variety of reasons. Job loss, family breakdown, domestic violence, mental health challenges, addiction. Whatever the circumstances, when someone arrives at Salt needing somewhere safe to stay, our first priority is simply this: making sure they have a roof over their head tonight.

Our accommodation programs are designed to meet people wherever they are and walk alongside them every step of the way.

For those in immediate crisis, we provide emergency housing options that offer safety and stability at what is often one of the most overwhelming moments of a person’s life. From there, our supported transitional housing gives people the time and space to begin rebuilding, with wraparound support from our team to help address the underlying challenges that led to their situation.

As people grow in confidence and stability, we work with them toward the ultimate goal of independent living, supporting them to secure long term tenancies and develop the skills and connections they need to thrive on their own terms.

We believe that stable housing is not a privilege. It is a foundation. When someone has a safe place to call home, everything else becomes possible. Healing, connection, employment, family. It all starts with a door to walk through.

Daniel

Matilda has recently joined Salt Care as part of the NDIS Administration team. She brings a strong background in business and community services, along with a keen interest in improving systems and supporting efficient, person-centred service delivery.

In her role, Matilda will be contributing to the streamlining of administrative processes and supporting the ongoing development of more automated and effective systems across the organisation. Her focus is on helping ensure that staff and participants experience clear, responsive, and well-organised support.

Matilda has recently completed her studies in Community Services and is excited to begin her career in the sector. She is passionate about working within a team that prioritises dignity, inclusion, and practical support for people in the community.

She is looking forward to getting to know the wider Salt Care team and becoming an active part of the Salt family.

Belinda