Samaritan House Geelong | Community organisation

Samaritan House Geelong

Phone: +61 3 5248 5227

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25.01.2022 Even in the toughest of times we uphold our vision No homeless man need sleep rough in Geelong. Dear Volunteers, we hope that you’re continuing to take care of yourself during these very unusual and confronting times. As the COVID lock-down in Melbourne is continuing and the Geelong regions are being closely assessed for similar situations, we are now unable to open the House for ‘normal’ operations, as we had hoped. We are looking though, to offer independent accommodati...on in the main house, to three (3) guests. The intake of these men will be via Salvation Army and understandably, they will need to be independent, responsible and capable of living in such a way for the foreseeable future. Our need for volunteers still remains high, for our modified arrangements and we have truly valued your ongoing care and support for the homeless men of Geelong. Without you, Samaritan House simply can not operate. See more

24.01.2022 We are living in uncertain times, but one thing that’s for sure is WINTER Please support our 2020 Winter Appeal to help the homelessness crisis We hope to have our house open again soon

23.01.2022 #Repost @tonymcm62 with #KISS #SIMPLES #MentalHealthSolutions

22.01.2022 Samaritan House Geelong, VOLUNTEERS INVOLVEMENT UPDATE We are delighted to have some additional volunteers join us recently. The Salvation Army are working with our new volunteers to ensure they are appropriately inducted. It will be lovely when we can come together in person once again. Our garden maintenance has been undertaken in conjunction with The Rotary Club of Geelong East since the restrictions came into force in July. Lino Bisinella has been generous...ly supporting garden mowing, etc. since this time. To all of our new and existing Volunteers, we wish you many thanks and much appreciation. Stay safe and keep up the great work!

22.01.2022 Samaritan House is a community that provides a welcoming home for homeless men experiencing crisis, enabling their transition to a better future.Samaritan House is a community that provides a welcoming home for homeless men experiencing crisis, enabling their transition to a better future.

22.01.2022 Samaritan House Geelong VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Thank you to all of our volunteers past and present. We are working hard to re-open our house Once open, we would appreciate Volunteer support once again. There are four Volunteer categories (all year round).

21.01.2022 Samaritan House Geelong, Spring 2020 VOLUNTEERS | FRIENDS | SUPPORTERS Update Dear Volunteers & Friends, We hope that with the lifting of some restrictions, you are able to enjoy (some) new found freedoms in the month so far.... This update is to provide you with some key information of our continued work, to make Samaritan House a safe place for men experiencing homelessness in the Geelong region. We have communicated in previous updates how our Board has endeavoured to re-open SH as soon as we are able, but in a way that meets all the current regulations associated with the pandemic. *GREAT NEWS* With support and management in place, we are now able to able to have three guests stay in the main house; each with their own bathroom facilities, for stays of up to 3 months; together with two guests in the Kevin Dillon Cottage. These accommodation arrangements will be in place for the next 6 months and will be reviewed regularly. Guest Intake - The Salvation Army has worked diligently to ensure that guests who are selected to reside at the house, are independent and capable of living in such a way for the foreseeable future. Warm Regards, Keith Fagg Chairperson

21.01.2022 This week is Men’s Health Week and Geelong group Right Mate are posting information and strategies each day of the week. Suicide safety plans - Time to get dee...p. It’s an uncomfortable topic yes but here at Right Mate, we’re strong advocates for making you comfortable to speak about the uncomfortable. The reality is that 6 out of the 8 suicides on average EVERY DAY here in Australia...are men or boys, so we need to talk about safety plans as a way of potentially reducing those numbers and below are some tips to consider from the awesome people at Mensline - When the plan should be used - Familiarise yourself with what types of situations, thoughts and feelings that might lead to suicidal urges for you. List the warning signs so that you can refer to them when you are deciding on whether to activate your plan What you can do to calm/comfort yourself when you are feeling suicidal - List the activities that you know both soothe and comfort you when you are upset Create a list for yourself of all your reasons for living - When you are feeling suicidal, it is easy to get caught up in the pain you are feeling and forget the positives in your life. Your list may help you to refocus your attention until the suicidal feelings pass Who you can talk to - List names and contact details and include back-ups in case your first choice is unavailable Who you can talk to if you need professional assistance - Create a list of professional resources available to you, along with their contact details and availability How you can you make your environment safe - This may involve removing or securing any items that you are likely to use to hurt yourself and not doing things that you know make your feelings stronger or make them last longer What you can do if you are still not feeling safe - Keep the name and address of your nearest hospital emergency department or telephone crisis line Make a safety plan commitment - The last step is to make a commitment to your safety plan. This means committing to yourself that you will follow this plan when the need arises, and then committing aloud to someone else (e.g. your counsellor, a trusted friend) that you will follow this plan. This is also called ‘a safety contract’. So....tell us....do you have one or are you open to now go away and put one together knowing that it could literally save your life? From Chris Lytas, Luke & the Right Mate Committee Right Mate are a men’s mental health community who share resources. They encourage men and boys to consider your mental health, know you are not alone, to talk to others and that bad times will pass. Photo supplied

21.01.2022 #Repost @humansingeelong with @get_repost Lazarus House is where Geelong’s most vulnerable and homeless can go for a warm meal, a friendly chat, a shower and to clean their clothes, five days a week. Ally Wimmer had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Nolan of the Lazarus Community Centre. Michael is one of last year’s Westfield Geelong’s Local Heroes. Here’s why: Michael, a former Priest, has an amazing presence and warmth that is beyond goodness. He led the team that ...opened Lazarus House in late 2017. He insists ‘The tireless effort of many supporting him allowed a wonderful collaboration and outcome’. Three Geelong churches came together with Geelong Rotary Club, to secure the location, within the Geelong gaol. Michael, in his inclusive manner, mentions all who have helped from those working to provide food, those serving and assisting, to Geelong Connected Communities. He tells the story of the carpet received from the Geelong Cats and the woman who dealt with council and regulations enabling it to be laid for the benefit of the centre. He praises Rotary who painted and supported the project every step of the way, to Salvo Connect and the Neami team for providing showers for the homeless. We witnessed clients dozing on couches after a hearty warm meal in front of heaters ablaze, in a very comfortable setting. A lot more comfortable than the streets on a cold winter’s day. 85% of clients are homeless men and it is not in their makeup to ask for assistance, the Centre is their safe place. Michael’s history in pastoral care from Norlane to Broadmeadows has given him an insight in to how it could happen to anyone and how life can be, at times, harsh. As a Geelong boy he is proud of how Geelong comes together for football, for crisis and for care. He and his wife Wendy also worked at Wesley Uniting Church with the Life Enrichment Program assisting victims of domestic violence, grief, bereavement groups and women’s groups for empowerment. At the time of the interview, the Centre had been open 11 days since the easing of Covid19 restrictions and 217 people had come through for a hearty meal and a safe place.

18.01.2022 http://samaritanhouse.org.au/Supporters-Update

15.01.2022 DEC 2020 SUPPORTERS’ UPDATE . . .... At this time of year, we would normally run our ‘No Room in the Inn’ Christmas Appeal. As this year though, has impacted the community in so many ways, we have made the call not to run our normal campaign and to simply thank you, our donors, for your support over the year that has been. At this time of year, we would normally run our ‘No Room in the Inn’ Christmas Appeal. As this year though, has impacted the community in so many ways, we have made the call not to run our normal campaign and to simply thank you, our donors, for your support over the year that has been. On behalf of my fellow board members, may we wish you a joyous Christmas and best wishes for 2021. ~ Keith Fagg, OAM Board Chair

14.01.2022 Samaritan House Geelong’s purpose is to provide emergency, temporary and transitional accommodation for men experiencing homelessness in the Geelong region. This is done in accordance with our values: Hospitality, Dignity, Respect and Community. Our vision statement No homeless man need sleep rough in Geelong, puts into words what Samaritan House endeavours to achieve - that no man experiencing a period of homelessness in the Geelong region, needs to sleep rough. This statement also recognised that, for the many complex issues associated with homelessness, not every person in that situation can or wants to be accommodated in a place such as Samaritan House, Geelong. On the other hand, for those who need our service , our vision is that no one need otherwise, sleep rough.

14.01.2022 Samaritan House Geelong is a vital service for our guests, as there is very few emergency accommodation (services) that provide a home, away-from-home with an evening meal and overnight comfort. Please consider joining our Volunteer team, to assist us to provide crisis accommodation for the homeless. We are currently (always) seeking house volunteers; particularly males, who are available to volunteer for evening and nights / overnight hours.

13.01.2022 #Repost @humansingeelong with @get_repost This week is Men’s Health Week and Geelong group @right.mate are posting information and strategies each day of the week. Suicide safety plans Time to get deep. It’s an uncomfortable topic yes but here at Right Mate, we’re strong advocates for making you comfortable to speak about the uncomfortable. Men's Health Week - Suicide Pla... The reality is that 6 out of the 8 suicides on average EVERY DAY here in Australiaare men or boys, so we need to talk about safety plans as a way of potentially reducing those numbers and below are some tips to consider from the awesome people at Mensline When the plan should be used Familiarise yourself with what types of situations, thoughts and feelings that might lead to suicidal urges for you. List the warning signs so that you can refer to them when you are deciding on whether to activate your plan What you can do to calm/comfort yourself when you are feeling suicidal List the activities that you know both soothe and comfort you when you are upset Create a list for yourself of all your reasons for living When you are feeling suicidal, it is easy to get caught up in the pain you are feeling and forget the positives in your life. Your list may help you to refocus your attention until the suicidal feelings pass Who you can talk to List names and contact details and include back-ups in case your first choice is unavailable Who you can talk to if you need professional assistance Create a list of professional resources available to you, along with their contact details and availability How you can you make your environment safe This may involve removing or securing any items that you are likely to use to hurt yourself and not doing things that you know make your feelings stronger or make them last longer What you can do if you are still not feeling safe Keep the name and address of your nearest hospital emergency department or telephone crisis line Make a safety plan commitment The last step is to make a commitment to your safety plan. This means committing to yourself that you will follow this plan when the need arises, and then committing aloud to someone else (e.

13.01.2022 At this time of year, we would normally run our ‘No Room in the Inn’ Christmas Appeal. As this year though, has impacted the community in so many ways, we have made the call not to run our normal campaign and to simply thank you, our donors, for your support over the year that has been. If however, you would like to support us this Christmas, we would of course appreciate a donation of any kind - monetary or otherwise towards our ongoing work. We appreciate all the... financial support that SHG receives. Each contribution is greatly appreciated and makes a significant difference to the lives of the men we serve. ~ Keith Fagg, OAM Board Chair

12.01.2022 A HAVEN FOR HOMELESS ~ WINTER UPDATE With measures in place, we hope to re-open our house, safely and soon. We have been fortunate to receive new support from the State Government to proceed with our Independent Living units project. Units which will be constructed in Newcomb, to provide accommodation for the homeless and provide jobs in Geelong.... Thanks in advance to FormFlow FormFlow and Deakin Uni Architecture students, working on the Prototype Project There is well recognised, critical lack of affordable one-bedroom units in Geelong. This project is designed to address a small part of that need. Keith Fagg

12.01.2022 WINTER UPDATE We in the Samaritan House community hope you are staying well and coping, through these uncertain and now (wintery) times. COVID-19 has had s...ignificant implications for Samaritan House, over the past few months. The issues surrounding the safety and well-being of our guests and volunteers became paramount during March, together with the challenges of keeping the house clean to the much higher standards the pandemic situation demanded... but there are glimmers of light emerging, and we are looking forward to upcoming seasons, when we can pick up somewhere (where), we left off The Board has been monitoring the situation closely, and we plan to re-open in full as soon as is practical. But first, we must get through Winter! Whilst our service is temporarily suspended, we still need possibly more than ever your support for Samaritan House If at all possible, we would greatly appreciate your consideration of a donation for this year’s Winter Appeal.

11.01.2022 A huge THANK YOU! once again to Bellaire Primary School who this year chose to support online

09.01.2022 #Repost @pappyon.co with @get_repost Brene Brown is the queen of vulnerability. She is a research professor, a best selling author and has given one of the most popular Ted talks of all time. Her words are beautifully crafted and her insight into vulnerability has delivered inspiration and motivation to millions of people worldwide. It's hard not to be moved when you read Brene’s work. She provides a gentle reminder that we are all tremendously courageous and sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is tell our truth, take off our armor and allow ourselves to be truly seen. Vulnerability. It is a critical element of keeping it real.

09.01.2022 REVOLUTIONARY FormFlow has a contract to produce seven modular homes in Geelong, for Samaritan House: transitional accommodation for people who have experienced homelessness. Thank you FormFlow ... This project was supported by James Doerfler, from Deakin’s School of Architecture and Built Environment. See more

07.01.2022 116,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness on any given night, and almost 3 million Australians are living below the poverty line. They need your help! ...Support them by making a tax deductible donation today https://bit.ly/CEOSO20_PleaseHelp #CEOSleepoutAU

06.01.2022 #Repost @canny.group with @get_repost ALWAYS BE KIND // + take the time to ask someone you care about, RU OK? RUOKday RUOKmonth #mentalhealthawareness

06.01.2022 A Christmas gift for someone you don’t know?

06.01.2022 WINTER UPDATE CALLING GOOD SAMARITANS! Excitedly and cautiously we aim to re-open our house early next month Our house is a service that provides support for homeless men in Geelong. Since our temporary closure in March, our clients have been supported by government funding to stay elsewhere. But we are now recruiting volunteers for our house once again.... We are currently (always) seeking house volunteers; particularly males, who are available to volunteer for evening and nights / Overnight hours. Samaritan House Geelong is a vital service for our guests, as there is very few emergency accommodation (services) that provide a home, away-from-home with an evening meal and overnight comfort. Please consider joining our Volunteer team, to assist us to provide crisis accommodation for the homeless.

05.01.2022 We miss all our volunteers at the Cottage - their laughter, their vibrancy, their support. . . . #Repost @cottagebythesea_queenscliff

03.01.2022 Any kind donation makes a big impact to those who are less fortunate. It’s tax time, give and you will get back in more than one way!

03.01.2022 NO HOMELESS MAN NEED SLEEP ROUGH IN GEELONG Please support our 2020 Winter Appeal to help the homelessness crisis We hope to have our house open again soon