WANG Night Shelter is open seven nights a week thanks to local volunteers.

At the start of winter the shelter was open two nights out of the seven but just four weeks into winter the Wangaratta community has rallied to ensure that everyone in the community has somewhere to go during the chilly months.

The shelter offers a warm meal and safe place to sleep for those experiencing homelessness, with anyone welcome to stay and no referral is required.

Director of Zac's Place and project manager of the Wang Night Shelter, Di Duursma, said thanks to volunteers' selflessness the shelter is able to open every night of the week.

“I would like to say thank you to the people who are volunteering, they are amazing for giving their time and opening up a warm welcome to those who are strangers in the beginning but will become community together," she said.

“Volunteering will change your life and the lives of those who come and stay with us.

“This is as a collective response to homelessness, loneliness and heartache and it’s so important to invite our community to be part of the solution.

“While we do need housing, government policies and funding, alongside them we need to grow a community that is able to support the most vulnerable."

The shelter is running out of six different locations, each venue donating their space and facilities.

“All of our church venues have said yes to opening up and are doing a wonderful job of hosting those spaces to make both volunteers and guests feel welcome," Ms Duursma said.

“I think the support from the community says to those who are experiencing homelessness, that we know there is no short term solution but it does make a difference to give someone a safe place to stay and a warm meal tonight and lets them know they are welcome in the community.

"It can change everything, it can bring someone back from the brink of hopelessness and harming themselves or others.

“We have enough volunteers to open up seven nights a week but there is always room for more."

Those who wish to financially support the cause can donate at Bendigo Bank to Zac's Place Inc, ref. Wang, BSB 633000, Acc.no.155600257 or The Wang Night Shelter has accounts that people can donate directly to at Everyday Gourmet and La Bella Rocca.

To get involved or for more information, contact Wang Night Shelter via email at wangnightshelter@gmail.com.