General News
20 August, 2023
Comfort for sleepers
A PARTNERSHIP between Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise and homelessness not-for-profit Wheels of Wellness (WoW) is aiming to supply 3000 backpack beds, a more comfortable alternative for rough sleepers that’s weatherproof and easy to carry around.
As its key project for 2023-25, the Rotary club has committed to address the homelessness crisis with more immediate solutions while social housing stock increases in the coming years, supplying 3000, 2.7kg backpack beds, manufactured by Melbourne charity Swags for Homeless and 20 waterproof and windproof sleeping bags for WoW clients through fundraising events.
Club president Margaret Milutinovic said the shocking statistics meant solutions were needed now.
“The last statistics we took a look at before taking on the project said there were 2300 people sleeping rough in Cairns, and now the latest statistics say that there are 3000 people sleeping rough,” she said.
“We researched into the best solutions, and we found the backpack bed that has won humanitarian awards. We decided we would try to raise enough money so that every homeless person is at least dry and warm at night. “We are organising a concert from mid to end of November to restore dignity to homeless and funds will go to this project.”
The partnership with WoW allows Rotary to access a discount for the backpack beds for a total of $110 per unit, elevating the fundraising goal to $330,000, meanwhile WoW clients will trial the products and bring back feedback on what best adapts to the streets.
WoW client Michael Dobbs said the backpack beds would help improve what it was a very tough experience.
“When it rains there are not many places you can go, something like this can make a difference in keeping you dry. Many of us sleep around the CBD and we get moved many times during the night. Having this option means we can go sleep out of the city and be warm,” he said.
“It’s a better option for women because it gives them more privacy which can help in keeping them safe.”
WoW chief executive Yolonde Entsch, who slept rough recently, said the initiative would be an immediate and dignified temporary solution.
“To have the backpack bed and have a safe place that’s private and discreet would make a huge difference,” she said.
“This is one solution that we can give to folks sleeping rough, it gives you a level of privacy, dignity and hopefully safety.”
