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Portal of Hope

Dignity, Health, Sleep, Warmth, Comfort & Safety

Information for our Friends
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    Safety on the Street

    We know how tough it is for you - and you are not alone.

    The Portal of Hope is a safe place to land, with no judgment. This isn't about lectures; it's about survival and respect. Here you’ll find real, honest videos and guides made by front line workers.

    We share practical advice on staying safer with drug use, getting through your first few nights on the street, and connecting with support that actually helps. Think of this as a breather—a place to get trusted information to help you get through today and tomorrow. You are welcome here. You are seen.

    Explore when you’re ready.

    Your first time on the street - what to do?

    If you need to use drugs - WATCH THIS PLEASE

    Using your Backpack Bed

    Download Backpack Bed Manual
    Vertical Backpack Bed

    Avoid hypothermia & keep warm

    Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops too low.
    It's caused by cold temperatures and / or being wet.
    It's more likely to happen in winter or a sudden change to cold weather.
    Be careful when there is a sudden drop in temperature or you wet for a long period of time.
    You can die in your sleep

    Signs of Hypothermia
    If you think you or your friend have hypothermia go to a hospital or phone your national emergency service e.g. '000' in Australia, '911' in USA.

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    To get warm fast

    • Setup the Backpack Bed - make sure you use the ropes it will be warmer.
    • Wrap yourself in the Emergency Foil Blanket - found in the top pocket of the Backpack Bed.
    • Get inside and close all the zips and windows.
    • Try to keep dry, especially when it's cold.

    Emergency Foil Blanket

    Emergency-Blanket
    EmergencyBlanket

    DO NOT SLEEP IN BINS - you may die horribly

    Risks of sleeping in skip bins

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    Large bins might seem like a good place to sleep BUT they are high risk and sleeping in them can lead to injury or death.

    Why it's dangerous 

    • The bin is emptied by lifting it 6 meters in the air.
    • If someone is in the bin they can fall and land in the truck on a steel floor.
    • Steel blades in the truck then compact the waste.
    • These blades can be fatal if anyone is inside.
    • Even if the driver notices something is not right - it might be too late to stop the person getting hurt.
    • These bins can be emptied anytime - often at night or the early morning.
    • Keep safe - don't take shelter or sleep in bins.

    Find other services

    Homeless Hotlines

    State Name Service Phone Hours Website
    VIC Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location - emergency accomodation, referrals, advocacy & court assistance. 1800 825 955 24 hrs, 7 days Victoria
    NSW Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location - information, assessment & referral. 1800 152 152 24 hrs, 7 days NSW
    QLD Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location 1800 474 753 24 hrs, 7 days
    SA Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location 1800 003 308 24 hrs, 7 days
    WA Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location - assessment & referral. 1800 124 684 Weekdays 9am-7pm. Saturday 9am-5pm. WA Entry Point
    ACT Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location 1800 176 468 8-6pm Weekdays ACT One Link
    TAS Homeless Hotline Direct you to nearest assistance location 1800 800 588 24 hrs, 7 days
    NT Shelter Me Website Direct you to nearest assistance location https://www.shelterme.org.au 24 hrs, 7 days NT Shelter Me

    National Directory all assistance services

    Across Australia - assistance with food, showers, paying bills, domestic violence, housing or other homeless services enter your postcode into the
    ASK IZZY Website

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