make a difference during Homelessness Week, Rabbi Mendel Kastel and the Jewish House team headed out onto the streets of Sydney to hand out Shelterbags to those sleeping rough in our local community.
These innovatively designed bags were donated to Jewish House by Rotary Club of Rose Bay and help to keep people on the streets safe and warm.
The Shelterbag is a portable, sheltered bed that rolls up into a bag. It is waterproof, lightweight, easy to handle and has an extra compartment for some personal items. It comes with a built-in mattress and a pillow, but also has room for an extra sleeping bag or blanket, making it adaptable for all seasons. A flexible tent pole is integrated into the hood to keep it upright, providing more space and better shelter from the rain.
The exterior of the Shelterbag is made of lightweight, waterproof material.
Because the fabric breathes sufficiently, any condensation that may occur on the inside of the Shelterbag dries quickly.
Jewish House has also placed Mend: Couch Surfer posters and flyers at more than 250 housing offices, local police stations, libraries and community organisations across the state.
By scanning the QR code on the poster, couch surfers and their hosts can text the Couch Surfer hotline to connect with a support worker, who will help them maintain safe arrangements.
Superintendent Martin Fileman from the Sydney City Police Command said: “Jewish House’s mission is to provide care to people who are in crisis or homeless, irrespective of religion, race or creed.
“Their highly skilled staff work around the clock to provide the best possible care during times of uncertainty, helping them get back on their feet with the practical and emotional skills necessary to rebuild a meaningful, independent life.”
Read the Australian Jewish News article.
