PRESS RELEASE: Beddown calls for urgent measures to address homeless life expectancy

Beddown which is part of a national charity organisation inCommunity Inc, has launched its Change47 campaign to raise awareness and funds towards supporting six new Beddown venues across Queensland. The campaign, which runs until June 30th, aims to address the shocking average life expectancy of 47 for homeless Australians and the worsening housing crisis.

According to Beddown founder Norm McGillivray, “I lost my father, who was homeless on the streets of London, at the age of 42 from a heart attack. It’s shocking that in all these years, the situation for homeless people hasn’t improved.”

The Change47 campaign offers multiple ways to get involved, including the “Give47” campaign, which encourages people to donate $47 to Beddown, with the goal of raising $4.7 million and opening six new venues. The campaign also features a “Fun”raiser option, where people can turn their staff meetings, schools, clubs, or home events into fundraisers that support the homeless.

Beddown provides safe and secure pop-up accommodation for those who are sleeping rough, as well as access to a range of health and social services. Johno, a former Beddown guest, shares his experience, “The Beddown experience is epic! Nowhere else in Brisbane do you get the same kind of treatment. It’s like a big family here.”

With homelessness growing at an alarming rate over the last four years in Queensland, it is crucial to find solutions for the most vulnerable. Based on the best available data, it is estimated that around 90 people died in Queensland while experiencing homelessness in 2020.

“We all start and end our day in the same place, a comfortable bed. Why should so many vulnerable people every night have to try and survive on the streets, on park benches and concrete? We can change lives and save lives, starting with a safe and comfortable place to sleep,” says McGillivray.

To learn more about the Change47 campaign and to support the cause, visit the newly launched website, www.change47.org.au, and use the hashtag #Change47 to help spread the word.

Ends.

To arrange an interview contact:
Norm McGillivray (Founder – Beddown) on 0491 278 835
Karen Furnivall (Marketing and Communications Manager) on 0468 946 222
Or email [email protected]

About Beddown
Beddown is part of inCommunity Inc., a national charity organisation based in Queensland, that aims to provide innovative solutions for Australians who are homeless or sleeping rough. Beddown activates and repurposes under-utilised, vacant or empty spaces into short-term accommodation for the homeless.