SleepSafe community partner West Coast Youth and Community Support with recent SleepSafe kit delivery (SA)
5 years and 5 stories of SleepSafe
When you’re facing crisis, sleeping in your car, fleeing domestic or family violence, or couchsurfing with strangers, being handed clean, new sheets of your own and a soft towel brings a sense of dignity, comfort and support. We have been able to provide that feeling to over 142,700 people who are facing homelessness.
SleepSafe, our collaborative program with Sheridan, has not only supported individuals and families in their time of need, but it has empowered 669 grassroots organisations on the frontline of homelessness with donations that save valuable time and money for a sector already stretched thin. SleepSafe kits have saved over 18,000 hours of precious staff time, and the sector $5.3 million in total estimated wages and replacement costs.
What’s special about SleepSafe is that it is a national program, with a localised impact. With over 90 Sheridan stores across the country where fundraising happens, hundreds of thousands of conversations have been sparked about homelessness helping raise awareness and build connections with their local services who receive the kits.
From Sheridan store staff who advocate and raise donations with their customers to their local community services and the people in need who receive the kits – the impact of SleepSafe ripples far and wide across the country. Here are just a few stories, to mark our 5-year milestone, that describe the tangible difference this program creates in communities, providing dignity, comfort, and support.
Soft new sheets bring comfort to Laura and mum, after fleeing domestic and family violence
Photo not of Laura* Credit: Karinya Support Services Ballarat (VIC)
This story is a general representation of many stories from people who have received dignity, comfort and support through SleepSafe.
8 year old Laura* had been living with her mum in their car for almost a year.
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Trying to do simple things like homework, have friends around, or cook dinner was near impossible. Laura had escaped domestic and family violence with her mum and the pair had struggled to find anything that was affordable, and close to school and support networks. Her life had changed suddenly and Laura was experiencing poor mental health and wellbeing as a result of the trauma and uncertainty.
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Laura’s mum was struggling to keep life normal and eventually was able to seek help from a local community service. They helped her to apply for housing and keep things manageable until something was found. After months of instability she managed to secure a flat for herself and Laura. Having left the family home with next to nothing, and being unable to store much in the car, they faced moving into a empty flat.
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Being able to choose her own sheets for her new bed brought tears to Laura’s support workers eyes. It meant she had something that was hers, and brand new to give her comfort and dignity in her new, safe home.
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19 year old Alex* wasn’t feeling safe in their family home anymore.
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Things at home had been tense for a while and Alex had been increasingly feeling anxious and unsafe around their parents. When a disagreement suddenly turned physical one day, Alex decided to leave to keep safe. Couch surfing was only meant to be temporary but the youth allowance left Alex with no affordable rental options.
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Staying with friends, put pressure on relationships and Alex began sleeping rough and staying in boarding houses with strangers. When Alex connected with a local service they were able to support them with transitional housing.
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Alex had little to their name beside a small bag of belongings, but being handed a sleep kit meant they could spend their first night in dignity, between clean sheets of their own and a soft towel to use. It helped Alex get properly set up and relieved the financial burden of starting from scratch after hardship.
Sleep kits give dignity and support Alex into a stable place of their own
Photo not of Alex*. Credit: Kara Family Violence Service (VIC)
This story is a general representation of many stories from people who have received dignity, comfort and support through SleepSafe.
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“We all want to help someone and it starts with the simple question ‘Have you heard about SleepSafe?'”- said Sheridan Ballarat staff member.
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“This opens up the dialogue to give them the incentive to help even in a small way. When they hear how they can improve the wellbeing of someone in need, the desire to help is amazing from our local community here in Ballarat.”
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“We see so many of our own doing it tough, and I think that’s what helps us continue to fundraise and spread awareness about SleepSafe. We really have very generous customers here in Ballarat!”
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“There’s so much more to be done but it takes many hands to create change and this is a wonderful start.”
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Talking about SleepSafe helps to bring awareness to the customer about homelessness. Even when they can’t donate, simply starting the conversation helps build awareness and empathy.
Sheridan staff and local customers step up for their community
Photo of Sheridan team visiting local community partner Launchpad Youth and Community Services (NSW)
Sleep kits are “invaluable” to smaller organisations providing support
Photo of Great Lakes Women’s Shelter (NSW)
For a small organisation, sourcing and funding material aid takes time and money we often don’t have.
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“The deliveries of SleepSafe kits is invaluable to our organisation. The time we now save not having to source these things from alternative places means we can focus more time on the people we serve. The SleepSafe kits we receive from StreetSmart are imperative to us being able to provide a clean and safe bed for each family who come to shelter.” – said a Great Lakes Women’s Shelter’s representative.
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“The SleepSafe kits give hope and dignity to families in crisis. They are also then able to take their new sheets and towels with them when they move in to their new homes. Clean new bedding is one of the most beautiful things we can provide to the women and children who come to us in need of shelter. Knowing they are getting to go to bed in new sheets, is amazing, and often a luxury that has not been given in a long time, if ever.”
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“We are ever so grateful for these deliveries; they mean that each person has their own set of linen to use in shelter and then take with them to their next home and our staff can spend time.”
‘Starting Over Support’ provides furniture and household goods to people who have become homeless through domestic violence or crisis.
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“We’ve been part of SleepSafe since 2022 and have been so grateful to receive ongoing support from the staff and customer at the Midland store. They have supported us with over 700 kits (and counting!)” – said a representative of Starting Over Support.
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“SleepSafe has been a beacon of hope for those who have faced homelessness due to domestic violence or crisis. These kits not only offer physical comfort but also symbolize the fresh start and renewed hope that we aim to provide to those in need.”
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“Sheridan’s ongoing contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community, and we are endlessly grateful. Together, we are building a stronger, more supportive community, one sleep kit at a time.”
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Sleep kits are a beacon of hope and comfort for those starting over
Photo: Kathie Mitchell at Starting Over Support with Sheridan Midland Store staff (WA)
Find out more about SleepSafe’s impact here
Give the gift of a SleepSafe kit today
