sleepbus Archives - Redcliffe Today

The Redcliffe Sleepbus service, a local initiative to provide safe and temporary accommodation for vulnerable individuals, is seeking volunteers.

The sleepbus, one of several operating across Australia, offers free overnight accommodation in custom-fitted buses. Each bus features sleep pods equipped with comfortable beds, climate control, and personal storage.

*Photo Credit:* *Sleepbus Australia/Facebook*

The service is designed to provide a safe and secure space for those experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities.

To ensure the smooth operation of the sleepbus, a range of volunteer roles are available. These include:

Bus Drivers: A medium rigid truck licence is required to transport the bus to and from its nightly location.
Driver’s Drivers: Collect and return drivers to their vehicles.
Service Volunteers: Assist guests in settling in for the night.
Caretakers: Monitor the bus overnight and ensure the well-being of guests.
Housekeeping Volunteers: Clean and prepare the bus for the next night.

Volunteers commit to various shifts, ranging from a few hours to overnight stays. Training is provided, and a flexible online rostering system accommodates diverse schedules.

Simon Rowe, the founder of sleepbus, emphasises that the service is focused on providing safe and temporary accommodation. While volunteers offer support and assistance, they need to provide long-term solutions. Instead, they connect guests with local services to address their underlying needs

The Redcliffe sleepbus operates three nights a week and aims to expand its service as the volunteer base grows. Individuals seeking a safe place to sleep are encouraged to visit the bus at the corner of Fisher and Creek Streets, Redcliffe.

Published Date 26-November-2024

To combat the pressing issue of homelessness, Redcliffe is ready to welcome its inaugural sleepbus, providing a secure haven for those without a place to call home.

The initiative, spearheaded by Michelle Gilchrist of The Breakfast Club, aims to offer a dignified alternative to sleeping rough or in vehicles.

The sleepbus, a testament to community collaboration and generosity, will officially launch with an open day on 21 September, followed by its first overnight service on 27 September.

Gilchrist emphasised that the sleepbus represents a safe space, ensuring individuals no longer need to sleep in their cars or tents. It will provide a restful night’s sleep, sheltered from the elements and free from the fear of disturbances.

The sleepbus, an investment exceeding $100,000, boasts up to 18 individual sleep pods, each equipped with lockable doors, memory foam mattresses, fresh bedding, climate control, and charging ports. Additionally, the bus has a toilet and interchangeable doors to accommodate families. Pets are also welcome, and CCTV surveillance ensures the safety of all occupants.

The service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, eliminating the need for bookings or eligibility criteria. It relies heavily on volunteers’ dedication to overnight caretaking, driving, and housekeeping. Those interested in contributing their time are encouraged to contact Sleep Bus directly.

The sleep bus will be stationed at a central location on the peninsula. However, upon its opening next year, it’s slated to relocate to the forthcoming homelessness hub on Oxley Ave.

This vital initiative was realised through the generosity of The Breakfast Club, The Jelley Family Foundation, Commbank, Kedron Wavel, the City of Moreton Bay Council, and the public. Their collective contributions highlight a shared commitment to addressing the challenges of homelessness and providing a pathway towards a brighter future for those in need.

Published Date 30-August-2024

Tag: sleepbus

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