The Harcourts Foundation Announces Partnership with Backpack Bed for Homeless

The Harcourts Foundation is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Backpack Bed for Homeless Inc, a national charity dedicated to providing immediate relief for people sleeping unsheltered.

This collaboration brings together shared values and a commitment to supporting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals by delivering life-saving solutions.

Founded in Melbourne in 2007, Backpack Bed for Homeless has been working tirelessly addressing the urgent issue of homelessness for nearly two decades.

By answering the pressing question of what to do when individuals have no shelter, the organisation has designed innovative tools like the Sleeping Bag Hypothermia Pack and the multi-award-winning Backpack Bed®, providing warmth and protection to those who need it the most.

“At its core, Backpack Bed for Homeless is about compassion, dignity, and practical action. Shelter is a fundamental human right, yet there more than 45,800 Australians sleeping unsheltered every night.

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, today,” stated Tony Clark, co-founder of Backpack Bed for Homeless.

A Shared Vision for Change 

The Harcourts Foundation aligns seamlessly with this mission. Built upon values like community care and courage, the Foundation has consistently sought to make a meaningful difference. Its commitment to enriching and growing communities drives the decision to partner with organisations like Backpack Bed for Homeless.

“Partnering with Backpack Bed for Homeless allows us to act on our core values of putting people first, doing the right thing, and being a positive force in the communities we serve,” pointed out Adrian Knowles, CEO Harcourts Australia as he announced the partnership from the stage at Harcourts national conference HX (pictured).

“Thanks to the backing of the Harcourts group globally, we are able to place ourselves in the centre of the communities to provide support to help, grow, and enrich the lives of those around us.

Backpack Bed for Homeless fits seamlessly with our mission to prioritise people and make a meaningful difference,” said Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation.

“We believe that homelessness is a social issue that demands practical and compassionate action and this opportunity allows us to make a meaningful contribution quickly.”

Addressing an Urgent Issue 

The harsh reality is that homelessness doesn’t discriminate. Many unsheltered Australians once had stable jobs, homes, and futures before unfortunate circumstances took it all away.

Without secure shelter, people face unimaginable risks and suffering. Providing a Backpack Bed not only offers immediate protection against the elements but also acts as an essential engagement tool for outreach workers to build trust and help bring individuals closer to long-term solutions.

"Every human deserves love, compassion, and shelter," said co- founder Lisa Clark.

"We cannot underestimate the difference a small act of kindness can make in someone’s life. A Backpack Bed can save lives and, more importantly, remind an individual that they are not forgotten."

“The government simply cannot build 45,800 houses overnight. What happens tonight?

A Backpack Bed can mean the difference between life and needless suffering for someone living on the street,” Tony Clark stresses.

“This partnership is about showing love, trust, and dignity to those most in need.”

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires both immediate action and systemic change.

Through this partnership, The Harcourts Foundation and Backpack Bed for Homeless hope to inspire individuals, businesses, and communities to come together and address this humanitarian crisis.

“Through the Foundation we will be raising funds specifically for the purchase of Backpack Beds. 

These funds will go directly toward the purchase of the beds, blankets, and so on, which will then be shipped to the frontline charitable organisations for distribution to those in need,” continues Pauline Smith.

To learn more about Backpack Bed for Homeless and how you can join organisations like the Harcourts Foundation contribute to making a difference, visit www.BackpackBed.org. 

Learn more about the Harcourts Foundation and the impact more than $9M has made to more than 1300 charities n New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at www.harcourtsfoundation.org.