Homelessness is on the rise in Australia and globally. Impacted greatly by the recent pandemic and environmental disasters, more families and individuals across Australia are finding themselves in a position with nowhere to turn. As the current housing crisis yields no end in sight, the services needed to support Australians in crisis are needed more than ever.

Last year, Flourish had the opportunity to support Beddown, an innovative project that has given many an opportunity to be provided a safe, warm space to sleep and access amenities. 

The aim of Beddown is to take spaces that are commonly used and busy during the day but at night are left vacant or empty. Beddown then activates and repurposes the space at night into pop-up accommodation to ensure the homeless, those who are sleeping rough are then able to come and get into a bed at night. Many of the homeless suffer from sleep deprivation due to the conditions of living on the streets, sleep deprivation can lead to many physical and mental health conditions, such as:

• Depression
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Memory Loss
• It can also impair cognitive function and lead to alcohol or drug use.
• Those who sleep rough are security conscious too in fear of being attacked and goods taken

By providing a safe, secure and comfortable place to get a good night’s rest, Beddown help restore health, dignity and respect for their guests.