“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” – Mother Theresa

To be homeless in winter is a trial that no one is ever prepared for. As the temperatures drop and the wind picks up, the Shoalhaven continues to host 335 people sleeping rough. Each person has a story. No one plans to be homeless but sometimes life presents struggles and choices that lead people to a slippery slope that results in homelessness. A rent raise, a job loss, a relationship breakdown, mental illness, a natural disaster, increasing costs of living are all significant and contributing factors.

Now more than ever, as a community, we will find strength and peace in caring for those who (for whatever reason) cannot care for themselves. There are so many ways each of us have the power to make someone’s life a little better, their world a little brighter, as we lend our strength to another.

Issues around homelessness are sometimes complex and resolving them can require wraparound services. Peter Dover (CEO) and Dan Laughton (Housing Manager) recently attended the National Homelessness & Housing Conference in Sydney to glean information from many of the amazing services around our nation. They also had the privilege of being invited to speak about the work that Salt accomplishes on a daily basis in the Shoalhaven.

Quite simply, if we all learn to stop for that one person in front of us and offer food, warmth or connection we are beginning to live out Mother Theresa’s thought that our peace resides in belonging to one another. Salt also provides so many opportunities for those who want to make caring for others part of their lifestyle…volunteering at the Shelter, cooking meals, handing out food support at Salt, donating money to help us keep the lights on and the showers hot! It all makes a difference.

When we started Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, we gathered with many like-minded, big-hearted people to practically provide a bed, a roof, basic needs and comfort. Today, 8 years later, you can be a part of the ongoing solution for homelessness in our region. Check out www.isaidyes.org.au and www.saltcare.org.au to find out how.

Meg and Pete Dover

Jacob joined the Salt Care and church community in late 2024, bringing with him over a decade of experience in IT and cyber security—and a deep desire to use those skills to make a real difference. After becoming a dad to an energetic and amazing 4-year-old, Jacob’s priorities shifted. He began looking for ways to balance meaningful work with being present for his son, and to channel his experience into something that aligned with his faith and values.

As Salt’s Chief Information Officer, Jacob keeps our tech running smoothly and supports staff and volunteers to use technology in ways that enhance, not hinder, the work we do. But beyond systems and software, Jacob is passionate about people—especially creating space for those who are often overlooked. With a heart for neurodiversity, inclusion, and lasting change, Jacob’s driven by a belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table, and that technology can be a powerful tool for equity when used with purpose.

At the core of it all is Jacob’s love for Jesus, which shapes how he works, leads, and serves. Whether he’s fixing a tech glitch, planning for the future, or cheering on his four-year-old, Jacob’s here to help Salt reflect the heart of God in everything we do.

Say hi if you see him wrangling cables—or a four-year-old!

Safe Shelter Update

Supporting Our Community, One Step at a Time

Safe Shelter continues to provide critical support for individuals in crisis. Every night, we offer a safe place to stay for those experiencing homelessness—and we couldn’t do it without the compassion of our community.

We are currently looking for volunteers who feel called to support people going through difficult times in their lives. If you or someone you know is interested in making a meaningful difference, please contact Daniel Laughton at [email protected].

Temporary Accommodation Update
We’re pleased to share that Salt continues to provide 20 beds for men, women, and families needing temporary accommodation. If you know someone who is homeless or at risk and in need of a safe place to stay, they can:

• Email: [email protected]

• Call Salt: 02 4480 5028

Together, we can help restore hope and dignity for those in need.

Thank you for your continued support,

Daniel

We have had some crazy weather in the last month at the Salt Store! I am so thankful for our volunteers that turn up every week, rain hail or shine to make sure the Salt Store happens! They are a lovely bunch of people who are worth their weight in gold! We couldn’t run the Salt Store without them!

It’s been lovely to see the connections made in the community on Thursdays at our Salt Café. It’s a place where people can come and sit and relax and be served a hot cuppa and some delicious morning tea served by our volunteers. Wendy is often cooking up a storm in the kitchen making bacon and egg rolls, meat and gravy rolls or some other delicious treat to bless our friends and neighbours with.

We are so thankful for all the helping hands that make up every part of the Salt Store. Make sure you say hi and thank you next time you see one of our awesome volunteers.

Until next time, take care.
Donna.
Salt Store coordinator

We’ve been featured in the latest edition of South Coast Style magazine! Pick up a copy from various outlets across the Shoalhaven to read the full story. Thank you, South Coast Style, for featuring us!

As the end of financial year approaches, now is the perfect time to support the work we do at Salt, and receive a tax-deduction for showing your support. Whether it’s a one-off gift or a regular donation, you can choose where your funds go: Salt Care, the Wellness Farm, or wherever it’s most needed. Your donation helps us provide:

• Temporary accommodation for those facing homelessness
• Food and supplies for families doing it tough
• Support for people recovering from addiction or escaping violence
• Work experience and purpose through our community programs

Your generosity becomes shelter, safety, and support for someone in crisis.
Donate on our website

Salt has the privilege of launching a new Alcohol and other Drug wellbeing program this month, managed by Cameron Cameron.

The Salt AOD Wellbeing Program, funded by COORDINARE, is a compassionate, trauma-informed initiative supporting individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependency—especially those facing homelessness, recent incarceration, mental health challenges, or socio-economic disadvantage.

Rooted in a Housing First approach, the program offers immediate housing, therapeutic support, and long-term reintegration pathways. With a focus on vulnerable groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Salt AOD team works closely with local services such as Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, Temporary Accommodation, and Salt Assisted Housing to provide person-centred care and a pathway to lasting recovery and wellbeing. We are excited to see the results of such an innovative and new program.

Pete