Pictured: Just Home Margaret River
Not just sheets and towels, SleepSafe gives dignity and a fresh start
Picture this: you’re 16 and couchsurfing after leaving an unsafe home. Daily life is incredibly stressful as you try to find a safe couch to crash on, knowing you can’t go home if you don’t find one. You’re trying to keep up at school, and Youth Allowance leaves you with zero affordable places to rent. At a local Youth Homelessness Service, you’re finally offered a place to stay and on your first night, you use a soft clean towel after a hot shower and crawl between brand new sheets, that are yours to keep. You feel cared for, worthy, and finally, safe.
Not just sheets and towels, SleepSafe kits have recently created over 9,600 moments like this, moments full of care, comfort, hope, and dignity for those without a safe place to call home. Incredibly generous customers at Sheridan stores, across the country, chip in donations, at point-of-sale, towards a SleepSafe Sleep Kit. It’s an innovative collaboration between the team here at StreetSmart and Sheridan, which creates localised impact close to where stores and customers are donating (check out the map below!).
“In our work with children and parents facing homelessness and trauma, we know how crucial it is to provide not only shelter and support, but also a sense of dignity and care. Having clean, brand-new sheets and towels is more than just a simple need, it’s a tangible way that we can show them that they matter, that their well-being is important, and that they deserve to feel safe and cared for.– Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (on Bindal Country)
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“Since launching, the SleepSafe initiative has provided close to 700 Sleep Kits to Bonnies! These kits help us make up the beds in our crisis accommodation, and mums and kids can take them when they move on—bringing a little piece of comfort into their new beginnings. These new bed sheets symbolise a fresh start and renewed hope. Thank you to SleepSafe and everyone who donates to this wonderful initiative.“– Bonnies Support Services (on Gadigal Country)
SleepSafe responds to rising homelessness and natural disasters
This year we have distributed Sleep Kits across Australia, focusing on areas of high needs and vulnerability. We were able to respond to the flooding and severe weather along the east coast and the impacts of Cyclone Alfred. 1,200 kits made their way in February and March to those flood and cyclone affected communities in NSW and QLD, providing essential material aid and support to people displaced and in need.
It’s a sad reality that more and more people are facing homelessness each day in Australia. Recent reports show that having a job no longer shields people from homelessness, with increasing numbers of employed people and families seeking help. Charities and community organisations are feeling the strain and recent surveys show that 40% of organisations have had to close their front doors during opening hours to deal with demand.
That’s why a box of SleepSafe kits makes a world of difference, not only easing the ongoing financial pressures on frontline organisations but ensuring that those experiencing crisis get the support and comfort they need, when they need it.
“The sleep safe kits that we had ordered previously have come in extremely handy as we have opened up as an evacuation centre for our homeless community. With only one washer and dryer in use, the towels especially have helped us get through this event which is still active. We have had 100 people approx each day access our services, showers, and shelter. We have also been able to share some sleep/towel sets with the other homeless evacuation centre on the opposite side of town. So, your organisation have very much been an integral part of our disaster response.“– Set Free Care (on Yugambeh Country)
“For individuals facing homelessness, singles struggling to make ends meet, and large families in need, these items have made a significant difference. Something as simple as a fresh, soft towel or a clean set of sheets can provide comfort, dignity, and a sense of being valued and cared for. Your generosity has had a real impact, and we are truly grateful.” – Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare VIC
We’re incredibly proud of this partnership with Sheridan that has enabled such widespread localised impact for communities in need. You can read more about the program here, and check out the Sheridan website here. Click through below to donate a Kit.
Giving more than just sheets and towels
Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels
Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels. Not just sheets and towels
