January/February 2025 Newsletter

As we walk into a new year it’s with both joy and pain that we cast our view back to what the last year has held for us. There have been so many meaningful moments as we have walked the journey with many who connect into Salt. Many precious people have found significance, belonging, hope and a new level of freedom, as their needs are met by an incredible community, in practical and profound ways.
Sometimes we get to travel alongside people for years and years as they traverse the highs and lows of their unique road, and these people get woven into the tapestry of Salt. At other times we have the privilege of briefly encountering those who are only stopping by for a short while. Each person is valuable, each connection is important, and there are pivotal, life changing opportunities that present for every single connection.
There have also been losses in our precious Salt community… Illness, death, addiction keeping people bound in a hopeless cycle, precious connections that aren’t quite ready for the help offered. It’s been a big and stretching year for all of us. There is great triumph and also sorrow on this road we are choosing to walk on, but honestly, we can’t imagine a different way. The great beauty of it all, is that we get to hold tightly to one another, we get to encounter the most wonderful, funny, beautiful humans, who have often had to face far more hardship than any person should bear. We get to laugh and cry together and all the while, lifting others higher. We see us linking arms with all who connect into Salt, whether sponsors, staff, volunteers or program participants and recipients to boldly step into 2025 with great expectation for what God will do in and through each of us.
May your year be filled with peace and love,
Meg and Pete

Salt Wellness Farm will be having a flower stall at the Southies Local Market on Saturday, February 15th at Flour Water Salt in Nowra. Come and see us!

These images show the incredible volunteers who helped pack, hand out and tidy up after our Christmas hampers back in December. It was a very busy day but everyone still had a lot of fun (the ice creams were a hit!) and those in need were so grateful - we gave out 400 hampers!
Thank you to our incredible volunteers who set aside their day to help, you made Christmas even more special and we are forever grateful!
Donna


Across the Shoalhaven, there are lots of locals (far more people than you ever imagined) doing it tough. They might be disabled, struggling with homelessness, addiction, mental health issues or just trying to make ends meet. They don't want handouts; what they do want is a hand up to get back on their feet.
We have recently launched our 'I Said Yes' campaign, where with just $10 a week, you can create meaningful, lasting change in someone's life. Together, we can make a real difference in our community.
You can find out more about our mission, what we're doing and how you can help on our website.
Pete

Safe Shelter Nowra
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates from Safe Shelter Nowra! Our dedicated team of volunteers continues to make a huge impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our community. Every day, they provide support, compassion, and a safe place for people to sleep, ensuring that no one has to face the night alone.
A special shoutout to the students from NAC and Scots College who helped plant our sunflower and vegetable garden. It has truly blossomed, and it's been wonderful to watch the vibrant plants grow—bringing beauty, hope, and a touch of joy to our shelter. We can’t wait for everyone to see it in person!
If you’ve been considering giving back to the community, we’d love to have you join our incredible team of volunteers. Your time and support can make all the difference in ensuring that more people have a safe place to sleep and the care they deserve.
If you're interested in volunteering or learning more, please reach out—we’d be so grateful for your help!
Temporary Accommodation
We’re excited to share some wonderful news from Temporary Accommodation! We’re currently working on the potential to open up a 4th Temporary Accommodation property, which will provide 4 additional rooms to those experiencing homelessness in our community. This means we’ll be able to support 4 more people on their journey toward stability, helping them break the cycles of homelessness and move forward with a renewed sense of hope and opportunity.
This expansion is a huge step in our mission to provide safe, supportive spaces for individuals to rebuild their lives. With your continued support, we’re able to offer more people the chance to regain their independence and create a brighter future.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards opening this new property—and thank you for being part of the change!
Daniel Laughton - Shelter Manager
0413 054 226

Last year we were honoured to participate in a Christmas Toy giveaway for families doing it tough. Toys from the Mayor's Giving Tree and multiple donations were given away at Salt Base and Nowra Public School, bringing so much joy to families!
A HUGE thank you to Bomaderry High School for their very kind donations and to staff member Andrew and the students who came to help distribute the toys.
Donna

Donate
If you would like to partner with Salt by setting up a regular direct debit so that Salt can continue to do all the amazing work in our community that would be amazing.
Salt Care
BSB: 062 585
ACC: 10949687
* All donations to Salt Care are tax deductible
Or you can donate directly using the button below.