When aid fails: Sleepbus closure exposes flaws in homeless support systems
- Jack Williams
- Mar 16
- 5 min read
In a significant setback for sustainable development and social justice, the Australian charity Sleepbus has announced its impending closure due to financial constraints. Established in 2016 by Melbourne businessman Simon Rowe, Sleepbus aimed to provide safe, temporary accommodation for the homeless, aligning with global goals of economic equality and justice and strong institutions. However, after years of operation and success in providing essential services, the charity faces a devastating closure due to dwindling funds and a lack of donations.
Sleepbus began with a mission to convert buses into mobile shelters for homeless individuals, offering a safe place to sleep for people who would otherwise be forced to spend the night on the streets. The idea was simple yet effective—by refurbishing buses, the charity was able to provide affordable, easily deployable shelter to communities in need. With each bus costing between $100,000 to $200,000 to purchase and fit out, local communities across Australia were encouraged to fundraise and support the initiative.
By the end of 2023, Sleepbus had operated services in regional areas such as Maroochydore, Hervey Bay, Redcliffe in Queensland, and Queanbeyan in New South Wales. The initiative received widespread praise for its innovation and commitment to providing dignity and safety to people experiencing homelessness. Simon Rowe's initiative was particularly noted for targeting rural and regional communities where homelessness is often overlooked in favour of urban-based solutions. In the process, Sleepbus became a beacon of hope for vulnerable individuals, including those affected by financial hardship, domestic violence, and addiction.
However, despite the early success of the project, Sleepbus now finds itself struggling to sustain operations due to the decline in charitable donations and increased financial pressures. Mr Rowe has stated that the organisation will officially close in June 2025, leaving several unfinished projects behind, including eight buses that were under construction and expected to serve new regions such as Ballina, Taree, Ballarat, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, and a second service on the Sunshine Coast. With the sudden end of fundraising, the promise of these new services has now been put in jeopardy.
The cessation of these services is a blow to communities that had already contributed substantial amounts of money. In Mackay, for instance, the community raised $300,000 to fund three buses, which were to serve areas like Sarina, Mackay, and nearby towns. The community had anticipated the delivery of a ‘Pinkbus’ designed specifically to cater to women and children, a service that was particularly important in an area struggling with issues of domestic violence. However, now that the charity has stopped receiving donations, the promised services have ground to a halt. The financial shortfall has left many individuals and local organisations feeling let down and disillusioned by the charity they once supported. Former president of the Port of Mackay Rotary Club, Tiana Fry, described her feelings of betrayal, especially after the significant fundraising efforts put forth by her organisation.
While Sleepbus was able to maintain the services in Redcliffe and Queanbeyan by finding other providers to take over, the future of services in Maroochydore and Hervey Bay remains uncertain. The charity’s financial troubles have also led to unpaid wages, delayed bills, and mounting operational costs, making it increasingly difficult to continue its work. As Mr Rowe himself has admitted, without additional financial support, he is unable to complete the remaining projects and even struggles to pay for basic operational expenses.
The cessation of Sleepbus serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that not-for-profit organisations face in securing sustainable funding, particularly when reliant on donations. According to recent data, 62% of Australian charities report experiencing financial strain, with many struggling to keep up with demand for services. This issue is especially pronounced for small and medium-sized charities, which often lack the large-scale infrastructure and corporate partnerships that larger organisations benefit from. This highlights the need for new models of financial support for social projects that align with the Global Goals of sustainability and economic equality, as well as the SDGs related to poverty alleviation and justice and strong institutions.
For many individuals who relied on Sleepbus services, the prospect of losing the charity is deeply unsettling. Ismar Grbic, who moved to the Sunshine Coast after falling into homelessness due to addiction and family issues, said he had used Sleepbus on 12 separate occasions and found the service to be a vital component in his recovery journey. "It’s a crucial part of assisting with a proactive lifestyle," he said, noting that getting a good night’s sleep is a vital part of the healing process. Without Sleepbus, Grbic is now forced to sleep in his car, an option that is uncomfortable and unsafe, especially for someone trying to rebuild their life.
Despite the sadness surrounding Sleepbus’s closure, grassroots initiatives are emerging as key players in filling the gap left by the charity. In Mackay, for example, the local group Safe Sleep Mackay is actively working to continue the fight against homelessness without relying on Sleepbus. They plan to raise funds for their own buses and seek a local organisation to operate them. This community-led approach speaks to the resilience of local groups in addressing homelessness and ensuring that resources are used efficiently to support those in need. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, homelessness in rural and regional areas is rising, and the need for local solutions has never been more urgent.
Sleepbus’s struggle underscores a broader issue with homelessness in Australia and the ongoing challenges of aligning funding and resources with the global goals for sustainability. Despite the charity’s valiant efforts, the financial realities faced by many not-for-profits call attention to the necessity of creating more resilient, sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.
Moving forward, it is imperative that both the public and private sectors increase their efforts to support innovative, scalable solutions for homelessness, such as the Sleepbus initiative. By incorporating climate action, social justice, and economic equality, we can better address the root causes of homelessness and improve the lives of those most in need. Government and corporate support, alongside community-based solutions, will play an essential role in creating lasting change and achieving the SDGs.
The Sleepbus charity’s journey may be coming to an end, but the conversations it has sparked about homelessness, community engagement, and sustainable development will continue to resonate. It is a stark reminder of how small, local initiatives can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people, while also highlighting the urgency of ensuring that these efforts are financially sustainable and properly supported.