Harcourts Foundation Partners with Local Charities to Bring Comfort to Western Australia’s Homeless

A recent grant from the Harcourts Foundation has provided over 50 Backpack Beds to Street Friends WA and Mission Australia, a contribution aimed at offering immediate comfort and dignity to Western Australia’s most vulnerable people.

The life-saving emergency Backpack Beds were officially presented to the charities by Harcourts WA CEO Shane Kempton and Harcourts WA Foundation Ambassador Adrienne Musca.

"To be completely honest, handing over these Backpack Beds is a humbling experience that really puts our day-to-day worries into perspective," said Kempton. "We are incredibly fortunate to be in a position to help. While we know a Backpack Bed doesn't solve the broader issue of homelessness, we hope it shows our genuine commitment to supporting the people who need it most right now."

Musca echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of community connection. "Meeting the volunteers on the ground reminds us why we do this. We are constantly learning from these incredible organisations, and it’s a privilege to partner with them to provide a bit of warmth and safety on the streets."

The donation directly supports the tireless work of two vital organisations. Street Friends WA is a fully volunteer-run charity that receives no government funding, relying entirely on community generosity. Every Thursday evening on Moore Street in Perth, their dedicated team distributes sleeping bags, warm clothing, and hygiene products to those sleeping rough.

Meanwhile, Mission Australia focuses on reaching families in crisis, helping to transition them into safe accommodation. With an estimated 28,948 children currently homeless across Australia, providing a secure foundation is critical for helping vulnerable youth feel settled and cared for.

The donated Backpack Beds were designed by Backpack Bed for Homeless, a national charity established in Melbourne in 2007. Founders Tony and Lisa Clark created the innovative, weather-resistant swags to answer a difficult question: how do you provide basic shelter and dignity to someone when a roof isn't an option?

Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, noted that the initiative perfectly aligns with the Foundation's core values.

"At the Harcourts Foundation, we believe in building authentic, meaningful connections within our communities," Smith shared. "We might not have a magic wand to fix the housing crisis overnight—as much as we'd love one—but we can certainly try to make the nights a little less harsh for those doing it tough. We are incredibly proud to support Street Friends WA and Mission Australia in their daily efforts to care for our community."