Safe Sleep Mackay hits $100k for first homeless Sleep Bus, two more to go
The campaign to fund a Sleepbus for Mackay people experiencing homelessness has reached a major milestone inspiring two more including one for women and children only.
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Mackay’s community leaders have reached a major milestone in funding a Sleepbus for people experiencing homelessness, but say there’s more to come.
Orange Sky Mackay co-ordinator Lisa Jamieson has been leading the fundraising charge alongside Chances Cafe founder and Australian Street Aid Project CEO Kayleigh Brewster.
Ms Jamieson said they had reached the $100,000 goal to buy the first Sleepbus for Mackay, and revealed the grand plan to fund two more: including one for Sarina and the other for women and children only.
“We know Mackay is such a giving community (and) we’re very appreciate of the support we’ve got,” Ms Jamieson said.
“We’re feeling really good but also know that it’s not the end.
“The next two buses are just as important, if not more so (considering) the ‘pink’ bus staffed by female volunteers (for) women and children.
“Right from the start we always knew there isn’t enough crisis accommodation for women in Mackay.
“A third bus is for Sarina … we all think homelessness is just on the waterfront, but let me tell you, it’s not … the agencies down there are facing (issues) just like Mackay.
“We are a big region (and) this is something really practical.”
In Ms Jamieson’s experience helping run the Orange Sky pod laundromat on Juliet Street, she has seen the importance of a good night’s sleep for people experiencing homelessness.
She recalled seeing people turn up to the laundry who obviously hadn’t slept, nearly nodding off as they waited for their clothes to be cleaned.
The fear and danger of sleeping rough only exacerbated the sleepless nights.
“You just don’t know what is going to happen to you when you close your eyes,” Ms Jamieson said.
“We need these buses and we need to be able to keep people safe.
“If you sleep well, you’re always going to feel better.”
Ms Jamieson said a safe sleep would help people experiencing homelessness improve their employment prospects as well as their mental and physical health.
Able to house 20 people, the Sleepbus has dual sleep pods with safe and dry storage for personal belongings, airconditioning, and TV screens with a channel displaying support service contact details.
The bus has been ordered thanks to Mackay Regional Council gifting $30,000 as part of a community grant, suicide prevention organisation Run for MI donating $20,000 and the BHP Benefiting My Community fund contributing $10,000.
Private foundation and public donations made up the remaining $40,000.
MRC councillor Laurence Bonaventura said the Sleepbus, produced by a Melbourne-based not-for-profit, was a quality investment for the whole community.
“The great part about this organisation is that Sleepbus takes care of all cleaning, vehicle maintenance, policies and procedures, volunteer rostering and ongoing funding and sponsorships once the initial $100,000 has been raised,” Cr Bonaventura said.
Kayleigh Brewster’s Australian Street Aid Project has also been selected as a recipient of the Mayor’s Charity Ball.
“This funding will directly impact the lives of many disadvantaged people in our community, and we are delighted to be beneficiaries of this year‘s Mayors Charity Ball,” Ms Brewster told the Daily Mercury.
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