Volunteering at a local homeless food service in Adelaide opened my eyes to the chilling reality faced by individuals braving the harsh winter nights on the streets. It's a heart-wrenching sight to witness countless vulnerable souls, with nowhere to call home, forced to endure the freezing conditions of Adelaide's winters without any shelter.

Homelessness across Australia is not just a statistic; it is a daily struggle for survival for many. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), more than 116,000 Australians are homeless on any given night. With winter temperatures dropping to extremely low temperatures, the need for temporary shelters becomes more than a necessity; it's a matter of life and death.

Temporary shelters, particularly in harsh weather, can provide basic protection from the elements, and they can serve as a crucial first step towards stable and permanent housing. They offer a safe bed, a warm meal, and connections to support services that can help individuals get back on their feet. But there is nowhere near enough of them and Code Blues don't do enough to help people.

Governments and local authorities in Adelaide have the power and the responsibility to act. By making temporary shelter available during the winter and summer months, they can help protect those most vulnerable, reduce health risks associated with sleeping rough in cold and hot weather, and demonstrate compassion and care for each community member.

Join me in urging our leaders to prioritize the establishment of temporary winter shelters for Adelaide's homeless population. Sign this petition and help ensure that no one in our community has to sleep rough this winter. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your signature is a step towards warmth, safety, and hope for everyone facing homelessness in Adelaide.