Backpack Bed for Homeless is a national Australian charity that provides life-saving emergency relief to people sleeping on the streets. Through innovative design and a strong human rights approach, the organisation delivers practical support that restores dignity, safety, and hope to those experiencing homelessness.
The Crisis
• Over 45,800 Australians sleep on the streets each year (ABS 2021).
• In 2023–24, more than 158,000 people were unable to access accommodation when needed (AIHW 2024).
• The average life expectancy of an unsheltered Australian man is just 46 years (AIHW 2024).
• Up to 21% of street sleepers suffer cold-related conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, or trench foot (MS2H 2011).
The Backpack Bed
Backpack Bed for Homeless provides an award-winning, all-weather emergency bed that rolls into a 3kg backpack. This fire-retardant shelter is:
• Proven to improve health, warmth, comfort, safety, and dignity
• Designed to allow individuals to carry belongings discreetly
• Distributed via over 1,100 partner agencies across the Homeless, Health, and Justice sectors
• Independently lab-tested to meet 48+ international standards (quality, safety& environment)
• Winner of 7 international product design awards
The Backpack Bed is also proven to generate $3,319 in community savings per person by reducing pressure on health, justice, and employment services (180 Degrees Consulting, 2018).
Widespread Impact
• Over 7 million nights of dignified sleep and over $133.8 million in Community Savings have been provided across Australia
• The Backpack Bed design has helped people experiencing homelessness in 8 countries
• The organisation was recognised with a Human Rights Award from the Australian Human Rights Commission
Global Commitments
Backpack Bed for Homeless is committed to:
• The UN Global Compact principles (Human Rights, Labour, Environment, Anti-Corruption)
• Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
o SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being
o SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
o SDG 16: Peaceful & Inclusive Societies
o SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
