28 Sept, 2016
Code Blue activated for rough sleepers in the CBD
The State Government has activated its Code Blue emergency winter response for people sleeping rough in the Adelaide CBD.
The Code Blue ensures there is shelter and food available for rough sleepers during this week’s expected extreme weather.
There is a strong possibility of high winds, rain and relatively tomorrow based on current weather forecasts.
Housing SA, together with its non-government partners, have made the following arrangements where accommodation will be available:
- Baptist Care will open Westcare, 11-19 Millers Court, off Wright Street, from 5 pm until 7 am today and tomorrow.
- St. Johns Youth service will open at 269 Sturt Street, Adelaide, for young men and women under 25 from 5pm to 7am today and tomorrow.
The NGO partners participating in this extreme weather response are Uniting Communities, Hutt Street Centre, St John’s Youth Service, Baptist Care, St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare SA, Service to Youth Council, Catherine House and the South Australian Council of Social Service.
People who are rough sleepers, or people supporting them, should phone the South Australia's Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Zoe Bettison.
Extreme weather like that forecast for this week can be dangerous for rough sleepers.
The State Government recently committed an extra $100,000 to support enhanced services for rough sleepers in the city during extreme weather.
I urge anyone who is sleeping rough take advantage of these services, to keep out of this expected wild weather and stay warm and dry.
As well as rain and cold, damaging wind gusts also pose a significant risk for the safety of people who don’t have adequate shelter from this sort of weather.
Please contact the homelessness gateway on 1800 003 308 to arrange for safe overnight shelter from this weather overnight.