THE Uniting Safe Shelter (USS), which has become a key homelessness support system, has confirmed it will not open this winter.
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However, that doesn't not mean that people experiencing homelessness will be left to fend for themselves.
The management team has made the decision to not open the shelter at the Bathurst Uniting Church, to ensure that it is complying with social distancing restrictions implemented by the state and federal government.
This is to protect the health and safety of both the volunteers and the overnight guests who use the service.
Coordinator of the service, Julie Greig, said it was a really tough decision to come to, as this is a time when homeless people need support.
"It's incredibly difficult; none of us all of a sudden want to stop providing the service that we have been able to provide," she said.
Although the shelter itself will not open, the people who have helped run it over the last two years plan to help through the provision of hot meals and sleeping bags.
This will be done in conjunction with other services providers in Bathurst.
They are in the process of filling the freezers with purchased meals, as community cooking days would not comply with current social distancing requirements.
Local businesses, Lifestyle Solutions and Panorama Wholesale Packaging, have donated funds and packaging to make this possible.
"We can't open at this stage, so we are doing whatever we can to support people who are on the streets, and that involves hot meals and sleeping bags," Ms Greig said.
Members of the community can support the efforts by making a donation, which can be facilitated through the USS Facebook page.
"People can donate to help buy the sleeping bags and the food if they would like," Ms Greig said.
The team behind USS will continue to review the situation and will keep the community updated if there are going to be any changes to the way support is provided.
Ms Greig encouraged people to be kind at this difficult time, particularly to the homeless people who are doing it tough.
"I would encourage everyone in our community to look out for people who are doing it tough, particularly those who would appreciate a bought coffee or a meal," she said.
"It's important to continue to treat people with kindness and respect at this time."
