
New Initiative Fights Homelessness in Tasmania
A crucial new initiative is set to tackle homelessness across Tasmania. Known as GoodNight Tasmania, this program is a collaborative effort between Backpack Bed for Homeless and The Harcourts Foundation, aimed at providing immediate shelter solutions for those in need.
Backpack Beds: A Shelter Solution
The program kicked off with the distribution of portable Backpack Beds to nine organizations across major Tasmanian cities like Burnie, Launceston, and Hobart. These weatherproof beds offer comfort and dignity to individuals facing homelessness, addressing an urgent need for immediate shelter.
Community Support Drives the Initiative
Thanks to an initial donation of $22,500 from The Harcourts Foundation, 150 Backpack Beds are now in circulation. Pauline Smith, head of The Harcourts Foundation, expressed pride in backing this initiative, aimed at ensuring that more Tasmanians have access to a safe and dignified place to sleep.
Fundraising Push Exceeds Expectations
Launched during Homelessness Week, a fundraising campaign accompanying GoodNight Tasmania has surpassed its goals, pledging 189 beds thus far. The campaign's target is to deliver a total of 231 beds, reflecting the needs of the local population based on 2021 census data.
Addressing the Larger Problem of Homelessness
Tasmania's situation is more dire than the numbers suggest, with local organizations assessing the need for emergency housing to be possibly six times greater than recorded. Tony Morrison, chief executive of Harcourts Tasmania, highlighted that these Backpack Beds offer not just a place to sleep but also a sense of security and dignity for the individuals entrusted to their care.
Join the Effort!
As the GoodNight Tasmania initiative gathers momentum, there is an urgent call for community involvement to meet and exceed the current targets for shelter provision. Organizations like the Launceston City Mission and St Vincent de Paul Society are just a part of the collaborative efforts to support those experiencing homelessness. Together, the Tasmanian community has an opportunity to help restore dignity to the most vulnerable in society.
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