Melbourne man hands swags to homeless

16 Feb 2011, 6:30 pm   -   Source: SBS, Luke Waters
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A charity that distributes swags to the homeless may become even more important as the effects of natural disasters are felt, reports SBS' Luke Waters.

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Three years ago, a Melbourne man launched a charity manufacturing 'back-pack beds', or swags, which he distributes to the homeless, reports SBS' Luke Waters.

Tony Clarke has already distributed thousands of swags, and more than 100 charities have written to him expressing an interest in handing out more.

Clarke's street-beds are flame-retardant, warm and most importantly; water resistant

The government will be provided with a proposal to roll-out 'Swags For Homeless' nationally.

The number of homeless people is expected to increase in coming months as the impact of recent recent natural disasters takes full effect.

Census figures show that on any given night around 100,000 people are homeless, more than 15,000 of them sleeping rough on the streets.

Dignity issues are ever-present on the street, accompanying the more obvious obstacles of temperature, disease and violence.

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Your Comments

Swags for Homeless

Tony Clark, Chairman & Founder, Swags for Homeless - from Melbourne, 1 year

To Alan of Research, What to give homeless has always been difficult. The tents you speak of are not as warm, don't include a mattress, and cannot convert into a Backpack to store belongings - nor easily breathable. Our fabric and tape sealed seams also can handle more heavy rain conditions, there is a also a window that can be left open while is rains. Handy. We would love to be help in Canada and be in comparisons. Aussie homeless have also used tents - feedback is they prefer our swag.

Swags for Homeless

Tony Clark, Chairman & Founder, Swags for Homeless - from Melbourne, 1 year

To Paul Murray, (inflatable mattress question). There is NO inflatable mattress. For comfort a EVA mattress which is also fire retardant and has a silver insulation backing is included. Place to store a toolbox - there is secret lockable pocket and yes we include a key lock with each Backpack Bed. There are also several large pockets for easy storage. Some homeless store up to 20kg. It is a very comfortable Backpack.

Still don't get it

Paul Murray - from Canberra, 1 year

"Inflatable mattresses included in the swag?" And what do they do when the mattress is punctured? These people have *no money*. They can't just run out and buy a repair kit. They have *no money*. And they don't have a shed to stow a toolbox. Also - they smoke. "assistance ... to find a better place" Not, I notice, quite the same thing as actually *providing* a better place. There *are* no better places to be found. The shelters are full. That's the problem. What can be done *right now*

Mr.

Peter Tammer - from Kyneton, Victoria, Australia, 1 year

Congratulations to Tony Clarke. Could we assist Tony, in some practical way, to take this venture further. Inflatable mattresses included in the swag? Even better, more assistance for people like "Steve" to find a better place to spend the night rather than under a bridge or culvert on the hard pavement? It is totally embarrassing to see any of our citizens, elderly, middle-aged or youth, living in such terrible conditions, facing the possibility of muggings and being urinated upon, or worse.

There but for the Grace of God etc....

Marlene Hastings - from Lismore Heights, 1 year

Isn't it a crying shame that the idea of this make-shift swag is a major consideration and will be 'considered' by Parliament for a roll-out of same. If we are as well off as the Government keeps jambing down our throats - why are these people on the streets. The NBN cableing will be passing under a lot of them where they lay I suppose. There will come a time when I begin to feel guilty about what I have.

Swags for Homeless

Tony Clark, Chairman & Founder, Swags for Homeless - from Melbourne, 1 year

Australia faces a crisis in homelessness. With 100,000+ Australians homeless - the east coast natural disasters - insurance not covering, businesses washed away. Are going to add 10,000's in the next 4-5 months (middle of winter). OCT 2010 - study showed 21% in Sydney and 16% in Melbourne of those sleeping rough had a cold/wet weather injury - hypothermia, frostbite & trench foot. More info on Swags for Homeless and our fire retardant Backpack Beds: www.swags.org.au or join us on Facebook

Dr

Alan McCleary - from Research, Victoria , 1 year

I noticed with interest this story. I have just returned from Vancouva where they have a "red tent " program for homeless people. It is a collapsible folding tent that is similar to the Anti-Cancer society beach shades and appears cheaper and more portable than the swag. Would you be able to give contact details for Mr Tony Clarke and his charities so that they may be able to compare and review methods for assisting homeless people.

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