Across our region, more and more people are experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough. For some, that means spending nights in playgrounds, under bridges, in parks, or wherever they can find a place to rest. These locations often provide little privacy, security, or protection from the cold, wind, and rain.
In 2024 Colac Salvos estimatesthat between 30 and 50 people are sleeping rough in the Colac region, highlighting the growing impact of the housing shortage and cost-of-living pressures on our community.
While the challenges of homelessness are complex, there are practical ways our community can help.
That's why we have partnered with the Colac Salvos to support Otway TentCare, a community initiative that collects, repairs, and distributes quality tents to people who need them most. The program aims to give people experiencing homelessness access to safe, weatherproof shelter while they navigate difficult circumstances.
Many of us have a tent tucked away in a garden shed or garage that hasn't been used for years. Rather than letting it gather dust, that tent could provide someone with a safer and more dignified place to sleep.
Through Otway TentCare, donated tents are inspected and repaired where necessary before being redistributed. Local volunteers and businesses help ensure each tent is suitable for use, giving new life to equipment that might otherwise end up in landfill.
By donating an unused tent, you're not just passing on camping equipment — you're providing shelter, protection from the elements, and a small measure of comfort for someone doing it tough.
If you would like to learn more about the Otway TentCare initiative, visit the official Colac Salvos page:
You can also read the ABC News story that highlighted the program and the experiences of local people sleeping rough:
ABC News: Colac Salvos provide tents for country town's long-term homeless men
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community—one tent at a time.