Volunteers support many important causes and without these community-minded people we would not have a SES or a RFS, sporting groups would not function and in the Shoalhaven, the homeless might miss out on added support.

Volunteering Australia encourages all Australians to get involved in volunteering during National Volunteer Week (May 21 to May 27).

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and acknowledge the generous contributions volunteers make across all sectors of our communities.

The theme for this year’s Nationals Volunteers Week is “give a little - change a lot”.

It’s a theme the Salt volunteers embrace.

Volunteers from Salt Ministries love to help the homeless and like most volunteers, they don’t seek recognition for their efforts.

The volunteers say helping people in need is a rewarding experience.

Salt’s Pastor Peter Dover is proud of the great work his volunteers do and said more volunteers were always welcome.

Volunteers from Salt Ministries, like their fellow unsung heroes, just love helping people.

Some of the Salt volunteers explain why they are so passionate about volunteering.

“I volunteer because I am able to and I can use my skills to give to the community. The friendships and comradeship that are gained are a positive side effect,” volunteer Helen said.

Tricia is one proud volunteer.

“I volunteer because I feel I'm lucky enough to be able to give something back to my community, whoever they are, and I think we could all be one step away from being homeless in the wrong circumstances,” Tricia said.

“It (homelessness) is not something anyone chooses and it just takes a bit of bad luck for things to spiral out of control. 

“Our homeless friends are just people like us whose lives took a  bad turn and sometimes they need to know there's someone out there that cares what happens to them and is willing to help. 

“I kind of believe in karma and paying it forward and so I'd be daft not to help when I can.”

John would not see many people if he was not a volunteer.

“If I did not volunteer I would never leave the house,” John said.

Jess said she gets pleasure from volunteering.

“I volunteer because I love helping people and love seeing the smiles on their faces,” Jess said.

“I love the fact that we can help with clothing and morning tea. We are God’s chosen people to help them and it makes me happy to see them happy and how grateful they are because we could help them.

“I want to help where I can we can help them get brighter future and show them God’s love.”

Judy is another volunteer who loves to give.

“I volunteer because I love being a part of this community and its amazing people. I enjoy talking to people and if I can help them in any way I will,” Judy said.

Ash says everyone deserves comfort and care.

“I believe everyone is worth our time and love, everyone has a story that deserves to be heard and the heart to love,” Ash said.

Salt will soon open a permanent homeless shelter in Nowra and they will need volunteers to run the facility.

“So if there is anyone out there who wanted to be a volunteer go to Safe Shelters Shoalhaven on Facebook or call us at Salt Ministries on 4421 4433,” Pastor Peter said.

“You can also contact your local church because there are 22 churches getting involved.

“We would love to see you volunteering and it's going to be great because we will have a permanent place instead of short-term solution like last year at the Wesley Centre.

“Last year at the Wesley Centre was awesome but soon we will have a purpose-built building ready and open for us to do what we need to do.”

People can also email info@saltministries.org.au to get more information on volunteering and also to find out more about the group’s work with the homeless.

Meanwhile, Volunteering Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Adrienne Picone, said many Australians volunteer in informal settings.

“This figure does not account for the millions of other Australians who informally give their time to volunteer through other activities and initiatives,” she said.

“National Volunteer Week is a key moment to celebrate the important contributions volunteers make across all sectors of the community, and how this impact is indispensable socially, culturally and economically across the country.”