Goodnight Tasmania – Supporting Our Homeless Community

The Harcourts Foundation, working in partnership with their national charity partner Backpack Bed for Homeless, has launched the "Goodnight Tasmania" campaign, a vital initiative providing emergency relief for unsheltered individuals across Tasmania.

This campaign, launched during Homelessness Week, focuses on distributing the award-winning, expertly designed all-weather 'Backpack Beds For Homeless'.

These roll into lightweight backpacks, offering immediate shelter, protection against the elements, and dignity for those forced to sleep rough.

“At its core, Backpack Bed for Homeless is about compassion, dignity, and practical action.

Shelter is a fundamental human right, yet there are more than 45,800 Australians sleeping unsheltered every night,” said Tony Clark, co-founder of Backpack Bed for Homeless.

The Harcourts Foundation provided an initial donation of 150 Backpack Beds and is calling for the Tasmanian community's support to reach and surpass the campaign's target of 231 beds.

This figure, based on 2021 ABS data, represents the recorded number of unsheltered individuals in Tasmania—but experts and local organisations believe the current need is far greater.

“Our partnership with The Harcourts Foundation is another step towards having an increasing impact on the gap that exists today between the volume of people in need compared with the volume of people who are able to be helped," said Lisa Clark, co-founder of Backpack Bed for Homeless.

CEO Harcourts Tasmania, Tony Morrison, highlighted the urgent need for action.

“We know from speaking to local organisations on the ground that the need for emergency relief and housing in our community far exceeds this figure," he commented.

“We hope the Tasmanian community will get behind this campaign to help us exceed the target and provide Backpack Beds to unsheltered people across Tasmania.”

The campaign has gained the support of local groups including The Salvation Army, City Mission, St Vincent de Paul Society of Tasmania, and The Red Cross.

These organisations will help distribute the Backpack Beds at events scheduled across three key locations in Tasmania on Wednesday, 27th August.

The urgency of "Goodnight Tasmania" is underscored by TasCOSS data, which reveals over 5,097 applicants are currently on the social housing waitlist in Tasmania, with 601 individuals entirely without housing.

"The cost-of-living crisis in Tasmania has reached emergency levels, forcing an increasing number of people to sleep rough," said Pauline Smith, Head of The Harcourts Foundation.

“Our campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also provides an actionable way to directly improve the safety, health, and dignity of people without shelter tonight.”

Adrian Knowles, CEO Harcourts Australia, reiterated the organisation's commitment to supporting communities.

“We believe everyone deserves a safe place to sleep. This partnership with Backpack Bed for Homeless is a crucial step forward in addressing the immediate need for emergency shelter in Tasmania.”

The initial donation of $22,500 from The Harcourts Foundation covered the cost of 150 Backpack Beds, but continued support from individuals and businesses is essential.

Through the campaign's fundraising website, contributors can donate amounts as small as $15 or purchase a Backpack Bed for $150.

Tony Morrison added, "Whether you're an individual or a business, every donation helps us get closer to providing relief to the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in Tasmania."

Support the campaign today by visiting the Goodnight Tasmania fundraising website