Caitlin Mitchell fights for Sleepbus to open at Bundaberg

A Bundaberg social worker trying to fix the region’s homeless crisis is pushing to follow in the footsteps of the Fraser Coast and bring a brand new service on board.

After moving to Bundaberg three years ago Caitlin Mitchell could not help but notice the ongoing rise in homelessness across the region.

The young social worker has now set her sights on bringing a Sleepbus to the region, an ambition which comes with a hefty six-figure price tag.

It takes roughly $100,000 to build the Sleepbuses, and Miss Mitchell is doing her best to work with businesses, the council and other locals to fundraise for a Bundaberg Sleepbus.

She said it would be money well spent.

“I believe no one deserves to feel unsafe and lonely, especially at night,” Miss Mitchell said.

“There should be somewhere in town accessible for everyone when they need it.”

Miss Mitchell has been working with Sleepbus Founder Simon Rowe to raise money and awareness for a Bundaberg Sleepbus, and with a fundraiser securing $9463 so far.

Sleepbus

Sleepbus has built several buses for towns and communities struggling to find accommodation for their homeless after launching in 2021.

The idea came about when Mr Rowe realised many communities struggled to find temporary brick and mortar housing options for their homeless.

He knew he wanted to help those struggling individuals and so Sleepbus was born.

“I did a bit of research, and kept coming back to there not being enough safe places for people to sleep,” he said.

The buses can host up to 20 people for a night of safe, warm and comfortable sleep and can easily be relocated to different areas throughout towns.

Sleepbus

The buses offer climate controlled sleeping pods, with lockable doors and toilets.

Overnight volunteer caretaker and CCTV surveillance keep people safe and secure, and pets are also welcome to stay on the buses.

Miss Mitchell has several plans for fundraising events including sausage sizzle and raffles.

“I feel like the word about the bus isn’t out in the community enough right now,” she said.

Miss Mitchell is also working alongside the Bundaberg Housing And Homelessness Forum, who have also raised over $4000 for the Bundaberg bus.

Once fundraising is completed the bus would be on the Bundaberg streets within a matter of months.

Bundaberg would be the second Wide Bay area to receive a sleep bus, with Hervey Bay already securing their own.

The Hervey Bay Sleepbus was a result of hardworking fundraisers at Bendigo Bank and will offer 19 sleep pods when it hits the road in a month’s time.

Originally published as Caitlin Mitchell fights for Sleepbus to open at Bundaberg