Homelessness Increasing From Bushfires

Dignity is a human right

Over 2000 Homes Have Been Destroyed By Australian Bushfires

The 2019/2020 bushfires are the worst we have ever seen and it's impact can be felt across the country. Thousands of homes have been destroyed with many wondering where they are going to sleep tonight.

The homeless are now at a constant risk of smoke exposure due to the bushfires. They don't have the luxury of staying indoors like most people do. These people who generally have a lower level of health then most are now exposed to even more conditions that can be life threatening.

We are already seeing a steady increase in the amount of homeless Australians and these bushfires can see that number increase drastically.

Facts About The Bushfires In Australia

More then 5000 people are now homeless as a result of the bushfires in Victoria. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Exposure to the smoke can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. (Department of Health WA)
Smoke contains toxic chemicals that people on the streets can't escape from.
Some of these people won't be able to access medications needed to help with these conditions.
Emergency relief centres are doing what they can but they can't help everyone.

Homelessness can be caused by

Family violence

Mental health issues

Physical health issue e.g. accident at work and bills mount up

Loss of employment, under-employment or inability to gain a new job

Limited housing / rental stress

Drug and alcohol addiction (an RMIT University study showed that 50% of homeless with adition problems got them AFTER being homeless)

Traumatic Experiences

One or a combination of these factors can lead to someone becoming homeless. Sometimes homelessness can occur due to someone moving to a new area and losing their job, and not having any support to help. Other times it can be something as simple as not being able to afford housing.

Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. The tiniest life change can cause someone to lose everything they have in a blink of an eye. It's a terrible place for anyone to be in as you will never know what will happen to you on the streets.

Whatever the reason - Australians sleeping on our streets need immediate shelter to survive.

Backpack Beds (swags) SAVE LIVES

Backpack Bed for Homeless partners with homeless services across Australia to distribute our study proven Backpack Beds to street sleeping homeless without shelter.

We are not government funded and rely on the support of everyday Australians to help give back safety to people living on the streets. Your donation can help someone survive a night on the streets by protecting them from the harsh weather climates that can happen at night.

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