As you’re probably aware, we have launched a campaign to see temporary shelter made available to homeless people during periods of extreme weather. We’ve been watching the plight of homeless people in the Shoalhaven for some years now.

Each winter, we report with sad monotony on the growing band of people sleeping rough at the showground. Yet nothing seems to happen – until now.  

The homelessness task force being set up by council is a step in the right direction. We certainly welcome it but fear the wheels of bureaucracy will move at their customary glacial pace and the issue of emergency shelter will remain unresolved by the end of winter.

And there’s the point – the lack of shelter for these people is an emergency.

If a loved one was exposed to rain, wind and plummeting temperatures with only tent fabric between them and the elements, we’d respond pretty quickly.  Why should it be any different for homeless people?

We know the community digs deep for all manner of charities and this is to be applauded. When the Register recently appealed for food to stock the Homeless Hub’s pantry, the community donated more than could be stored. Whenever schools undertake blanket drives, the response is hugely generous.

What is needed now is for council and our churches to step up.

As Mayor Joanna Gash told us, there are plenty of church halls that sit empty while homeless people shiver under the stars. 

Congregations of good Christian folk should this weekend be asking their church leaders what they can do to offer temporary sanctuary for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Voters should be asking council candidates what their plans are to ease the suffering of those sleeping out in the cold. 

We know there are empty buildings that could be used.  

There is still a month of winter to play out – more than 30 nights of chilly nights. Quite a few of them will be bitterly cold.  

Let’s get to the end of Homelessness Week and chalk up a result for these people.