By Pippa Bradshaw – A Current Affair
A Queensland charity that transforms unused spaces into pop-up accommodation for homeless people has been overwhelmed by community support after being shown on Current Affairs.
Beddown was created by Norm McGillivray, born from his own heartache after his father died while living rough on the streets of London.
For the past eight weeks, Beddown has transformed a Brisbane CBD car park into a pop up shelter every night.
As the corporate workers leave, an army of volunteers move in, setting up beds for those who don't have a home.
The initiative gives some of the most vulnerable in the community a place to eat, have a hot shower and eat.
"Every night we bring in services such as doctors, nurses, dentists, social workers, new clothes, food and beverages, that looks to restore dignity, respect, self-esteem and confidence back to our guests," Mr McGillivray said.
The trial ended on Sunday morning after eight weeks in operation.
But since the Beddown story went to air on A Current Affair last week, Mr McGillivray said he's been overwhelmed with support, with nearly $40,000 being raised for the charity.
He said this helped them relocate 18 guests to backpackers so they did not end up back on the streets.
"Absolutely amazing," Mr McGillivray said.
Four guests from the trial also managed to secure new jobs, with the help of Beddown.
They started today.
Mr McGillivray said he's already looking for a new location for Beddown in the hope of getting the program back up and running as soon as possible.
He said ongoing support was vital.
"We can't do what we do without the support from the general public," Mr McGillivray said.
"If there's anyone out there from the corporate world, or any philanthropist that wants to help out, please get in touch with us."
For more information about Beddown, visit: https://beddown.org.au
Help someone sleep on a bed tonight
Beddown looks to provide the homeless with a safe, secure and comfortable environment to provide a bed to sleep in for the night. Your donation will allow us to purchase our core items such as beds, linen and chairs that allow us to deliver the services that build a life of quality of our homeless.
FAQs: Building a life of quality is our main aim and changing peoples lives. Here are some answer regarding contributing to Beddown.
Why Does Beddown Need Your Donation?
We believe everyone deserves a bed to sleep in and in 2019 when over 8,000 people across Australia have to sleep rough on the streets, on benches and under bridges, this is unacceptable to us.
Beddown looks to provide the homeless with a safe, secure and comfortable environment to provide a bed to sleep in for the night. To allow us to deliver our service we need support that allows us to purchase our core items such as beds, linen and chairs that allows us to deliver the services that provide comfort and connect and helps us both repair the quality of life and build a life of quality of our homeless.
Where Will My Donation Go?
First and foremost – the money will go towards repairing the quality of life of the homeless. Everything we do is about providing and delivering our services to our guests.
We are transparent with how we spend your donation. We anticipate 10-15% in every dollar will be used to cover the costs associated with being able to deliver our services (Rent, Wages, Auditing, etc) Without those things we couldn’t do what we do. Our promise to you as a donor is, we use every dollar to help us deliver a great night’s sleep in your name.
How Can My Donation Make A Difference
There are over 8,000 people who do not have a bed to sleep in tonight, with your support we can really start to make a massive difference and start to change this for the better. It truly shows that together, we make a difference.
Here’s how your donation can make a difference:
- $20 can provide a clothing pack for a homeless person.
- $60 can provide a great night’s sleep for 2 people at a Beddown venue.
- $120 can provide a bed and linen pack for someone to sleep on.
- There is provision for Customised Amounts (whatever amount you decide to give). Read more on their website. https://beddown.org.au
When the parking lot closes for the night, the members of the foundation set up pillows, blankets, and duvets.
The homeless can use the parking lot’s showers and toilets, as well as receive care from stylists, physicians, and dentists.
“We seek to give them a comfortable space so that they can have a good night. It is our purpose. We hope to have a great impact”, pointed out the creators of this initiative.
What Beddown does is place inflatable mattresses (with clean sheets) in public parking lots.
As they are inflatable beds, they can be placed and removed very quickly, so they do not affect the parking business, in addition to being located in safe and clean places.
Likewise, it has joined with other organizations so that now it also offers services such as: showers, laundry, food and drink, medical check-ups and clothing.
With his project, hundreds of homeless people will be able to spend the night in a bed.
Furthermore, they are allowed to use the public parking lot’s restrooms and showers.
“We seek to give them a comfortable space so that they can have a good night. It is our purpose. We hope to have a big impact, ”said the creators of Bedddown.
See Special Videos Here On This Link:
Hi there, thanks again Sonia and Todd. That's a saying I often use, about the grocery packets. I have a passion for providing practical gifts overseas and will be channelling most of my giving to Beddown now to help our precious people until our Government begins to act like Caring human beings. I was alarmed to know there has been so many of our people out on the streets for several years (ongoing) and Government officials by their neglect, refuse to do anything about it. This must change. Thank you Beddown for your heartfelt commitment.
We will be happy to take part in this program. Just to think a few shopping trips can pay for a few beds at night for people who have found themselves without a place of residence. Most times these days, it's not their fault. 8,000+ that's a great number, and politicians live it up in style. No wonder no-one trusts them.