The State Government has issued a Code Red to boost homelessness services across Adelaide as temperatures soar into the 40s this week.
The SA Housing Authority has issued a Code Red for Greater Metropolitan Adelaide from today, January 14 to January 16, 2019.
The Code Red means homelessness agencies will increase their services during the hot weather, including extending their operating hours.
In addition to the Code Red, the Department of Human Services has activated the Telecross REDi phone service tomorrow and Wednesday – a potentially lifesaving service run by the Red Cross that provides free welfare checks at regular intervals during heatwave events.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said increasing homelessness services were vital in the extreme heat.
“Agencies across Adelaide will extend their daytime operating hours over the next few days to ensure people sleeping rough are keeping cool and well-hydrated during the extreme heat,” said Minister Lensink.
“I urge the community to check on the elderly, people who live alone, with disability or mental illness and those who are housebound, frail and the aged.
“I also urge vulnerable members of the community to register with the free TeleCross REDi phone service.
“Those registered can receive a phone call up to three times a day to check on how they are coping and the trained Red Cross volunteers can also provide tips to stay cool or activate an emergency procedure if required.”
The following homelessness agencies will extend daytime operating hours:
The Hutt St Centre, 257 Hutt St Adelaide, will extend their hours from 7am until 7pm Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 January.
Trace-A-Place (SYC) 135 Currie St Adelaide, will extend their hours from 5pm to 7pm Monday 14 January to Wednesday 16 January.
Street to ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ will be providing additional outreach services to people sleeping rough throughout this period.
Westcare (Baptist Care SA), 11/19 Millers Ct Adelaide will provide services within their normal operating hours of 9am to 3pm.
The SA ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Gateway Service will also continue to operate 24/7.
Anyone who is sleeping rough is encouraged to contact the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Gateway on 1800 003 308.
To register for the Telecross REDi service phone 1800 188
