The program, run by Wyndham House Clinic, officially launched on Thursday.
There wasn’t a large turnout, but organisers say they’re happy with the way the first day went.
“I think for the first day, it’s quite good,” said Wyndham House Clinic manager Petro Liebenberg.
Ms Liebenberg said three patients sought care at the site, which is located at the Salvation Army Shepparton Corps and Community Centre on Nixon St.
She said initially she wondered if anyone would show up.
“I was really excited when the first person arrived,” Ms Liebenberg said.
The clinic will run every Thursday from 10am to 2pm.
Ms Liebenberg said she hopes word will spread in the coming weeks and more people will be aware of the service should they need things like assessments, wound care, and prescriptions.
Staff can also provide other support for patients, referring them to specialists and other services.
The clinic is specifically designed to lower barriers to healthcare for people who are experiencing homelessness and may not otherwise seek medical attention, Ms Liebenberg said.
She said patients do not need to call ahead to schedule an appointment, they can walk in.
The clinic is free, so people don’t have to worry about cost, and the location is also strategic.
Ms Liebenberg said people who are homeless and sleeping rough may not always feel comfortable walking into a doctor’s office.
The hope is that the Salvation Army space will be somewhere that community members feel at ease.
Ms Liebenberg said it may take a couple of weeks to work out what kinks, if any, exist, and get things running smoothly.
But she said she didn’t notice any glaring issues on the first day.
Homelessness is a significant issue in Greater Shepparton.
On any given night, 436 people are without a home, and the rate of homelessness has risen by 17.2 per cent since 2016.
24°C