“We are working with Shoalhaven City Council at the moment to get the shelter open by July 1, he said.

“It’s a month late from our prefered opening date of June 1 but we are just going through all the channels now to get it open.

“I was at the shelter for half-a-day recently with the planning group in the building just organising what needs to be done and getting the building ready.”

Council recently announced it came to an agreement with Bomaderry based Salt Ministries and Safe Shelter Shoalhaven for a homeless shelter to be built in the old Nowra Neighbourhood Centre near Marriott Park.

Safe Shelter Shoalhaven had a short-term operation last year which was based at Nowra’s United Church.

It was manned by a team of volunteers and over 20 Shoalhaven churches gave it support.

However, the dream was always to get something permanent.

They get the keys on Wednesday (May 30) and work starts on Monday June 4.

There is some work to do in the building.

“We are going to paint the place, revamp the bathroom and kitchen and then set up the sleeping areas,” Pastor Dover said.

“It’s probably a month’s work we have to fit into two weeks. “It’s going to be time-pressed but we just have to get it done.”

He knows winter is coming and people will start to struggle in June.

Pastor Dover said they will help homeless people in any way they can while they wait for the shelter to open.

“We will go out most days and support them and help them through until we can open the doors on July 1,” he said

“We have got plenty of blankets, tents and things like that and so will continue to help them.

“It’s a band-aid solution until we open the shelter and that is all we can do.

“It's better than doing nothing and at least by July 1 we will have a better solution.”

The group has a five-year lease with council.

“This is a bit of a test pilot for council and for us and so if this works well we will be looking at other sites and other solutions that can help,” he said.

“This solution will only house 12 people but that is 12 people who are not going to be sleeping rough.

“I would do all this for one person but we have the ability to do it for 12 people which is great.”

Volunteers will be needed to help 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.

RELATED: Shelter news greeted with enthusiasm