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​Charity Is Turning Public Places Into Pop-Up Accommodation For The Homeless

​Charity Is Turning Public Places Into Pop-Up Accommodation For The Homeless

Beddown was set up by Norm McGillivray, who was inspired by his late father's tragic journey into homelessness to help others like him

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A non-profit charity in Australia has found a novel way to try and help the homeless, after its founder was inspired to honour his late father by helping other vulnerable people like him.

Beddown was set up by Norm McGillivray, whose father found himself on the streets of London after a massive stroke left him paralysed and heavily impeded - in turn ending his business.

He later died when Norm was just 11, completely alone.

Norm has channelled his dad's tragic story into hope for others, having founded the charity to help ensure the same thing doesn't happen to them.

Beddown's website states that the aim behind the charity is simple: to take spaces that are commonly used and busy during the day but left vacant or empty at night, repurposing them into 'pop-up accommodation' to ensure the homeless are able to get into a bed at night.

The charity also partners with other organisations that can provide complementary services such as laundry facilities, showers, food and drink, health and well-being services, clothing and more.

Beddown

Beddown explains that many homeless people suffer from sleep deprivation due to the conditions of living on the street, which can lead to everything from depression and hypertension through to impaired cognitive function and alcohol or drug use.

The website states: "By providing a safe, secure and comfortable place to get a good night's rest, we help restore health, dignity and respect for our guests."

Beddown is partnering with Australia's largest car park operator, Secure Parking, to conduct a trial of pop-up accommodations in CBD car parks, but the team hope to team up with other locations and organisations in the futures, including community halls.

Founder Norm showing off the facilities.
Beddown

According to 7News, it's estimated that 8,000 people are sleeping rough in Australia each night - while around 200,000 car spaces will go empty.

Writing on Beddown's GoFundMe page, Norm wrote: "The average car park bay measures five meters long by three metres wide, so each bay can easily fit two/three beds if necessary.

"Car parks are in all major cities across Australia and are therefore easily accessible by those who are vulnerable."

Norm explained that the spaces are ideal for Beddown's facilities, which he argued can be set up quickly before being easily taken down with minimal disruption.

He told 7News: "Nothing is going to stop me now to bringing Beddown to as many people across Australia as possible."

Featured Image Credit: Beddown

Topics: World News, News, Daily Ladness, Australia