A vital service providing safe overnight accommodation for people experiencing homelessness is set to return to the Sunshine Coast.
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre (MNC) has confirmed the Sunny Coast Sleeper will recommence operations from tonight.
“While the Halloween ghouls are out, we’ll be a friendly face and a safe space to sleep,” it posted to social media this week.
“Thank you to all the volunteers who have jumped onboard to make this shift happen at short notice.
“Community caring for community. That’s what it’s all about.”
Related story: Revived and renamed: bus to provide homeless relief again
The service was first launched as Sleepbus in January 2022 after a community campaign led by the MNC in 2020. It provided private, comfortable pods inside a reconfigured bus, offering safety and dignity for people sleeping rough.
However, the service was forced to wind up earlier this year due to funding constraints. In March, MNC announced it was working with Sleepbus founder Simon Rowe to resume operations.
In May the MNC confirmed the return of the service, renamed as the Sunny Coast Sleeper.
“The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre is bringing this vital service back to the Sunshine Coast community with the support of an anonymous Queensland family foundation,” it said.
“This mobile accommodation solution has been a lifeline for many over the past three years, offering dignity, security and warmth throughout the night.”
The service was paused while the bus underwent repairs, with the MNC sharing an update on its progress last month.
“The bus repairs are done and we’re about to book in the roadworthy. Once that’s sorted, the new signage goes on and the newly branded Sunny Coast Sleeper will be rolling out,” it said.
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The MNC said in May that the bus would operate under the One Roof Project banner, an initiative dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness.
Earlier this month the MNC called for volunteers to assist as bus drivers, caretakers, boarding volunteers and housekeepers.
“We’re looking for community-minded people to jump on board as volunteers,” it said.
The bus will be at the corner of Third Avenue and Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore from 8pm tonight. For more information or to get involved, contact the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre on 5443 6696.
