‘Beddown’ model could see homeless sleep in Geelong underused spaces, like car parks

A model that converts spaces like car parks into somewhere for homeless people to sleep could come to Geelong. HAVE YOUR SAY

Jade Hamilton. Picture: Alan Barber

A model that converts spaces like car parks into somewhere for homeless people to sleep overnight could come to Geelong.

Charity Beddown, which started in Queensland, provides pop-up accommodation in places like car parks.

Homelessness advocate Jade Hamilton said a small trial site could replicate the program locally.

A number of Geelong stakeholders voiced support for the concept.

A location needed to be a building with an open, communal space, such as a gymnasium, Ms Hamilton said.

Bedding for the homeless. Picture: Charity Beddown's Facebook page

It’s understood there were talks to set up a trial site at a Geelong CBD car park but these fell through.

Volunteers could arrive in the evening, set up bedding for the night, and pack up in the morning.

Greens MP Sarah Mansfield said the homelessness problem in Geelong and across Western Victoria was getting worse due to the skyrocketing cost of living and a lack of public housing and affordable rental properties.

Sarah Mansfield

“While we continue to push the … government for changes that will actually help address the housing crisis and ensure that no one has to experience homelessness, ideas like beddown are an important way to meet immediate needs for people sleeping rough by giving them a safe place to sleep at night,” Dr Mansfield said.

“As a GP I worked in a homelessness service and saw the serious physical and mental health impacts of sleeping on the streets.

“Beddown will provide people that respite from sleep deprivation and rough sleeping and a chance to connect with people who care and other support services.

“We have asked the Treasurer and Minister for Planning for a list of state-owned assets that fit the requirements for beddown within the Geelong region but unfortunately we’re still waiting for a response.”

Bedding for the homeless. Picture: Charity Beddown's Facebook page

City of Greater Geelong customer, community and economy acting executive director Tennille Bradley said it had offered in-principle support for a beddown project in the region.

“While local government, including the city, does not provide direct housing and homelessness services, we continue to maintain strong relationships with agencies working with and providing support to people experiencing homelessness,” she said.

Ms Hamilton is general manager of Lazarus Community Centre Geelong, which provides support for predominantly homeless people.

She said it was seeing almost triple the number of clients than at this time last year.

“They’re not just people experiencing long-term homelessness, it’s also people experiencing it for the first time,” she said.

“A human’s basic fundamental rights are shelter, security and safety.”

Originally published as ‘Beddown’ model could see homeless sleep in Geelong underused spaces, like car parks