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Homeless bus to the rescue

The bus industry plays a vital role in addressing the plight of Melbourne’s homeless

A bus kitted-out with full shower and bathroom facilities has proven a hit among the homeless in Melbourne, with organisers now working toward introducing a Sydney service.

Ventura donated the bus, which was then fitted-out internally with the help of numerous donations.

The bus rolled out to service homeless hotspots in Melbourne and regional Victoria for the first time late last year.

OneVoice founder Josh Wilkins is pleased with how the initiative has been received, delighted at the generosity shown by the bus industry and hopeful about introducing a Sydney service where the need is even greater than in Melbourne.

“Homelessness in New South Wales is at a rate of 48.9 in 10,000 with 28,191 people experiencing this situation, that’s the highest of any Australian state,” he says.

“We are currently raising funds to run a mobile shower bus to help restore dignity in the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Sydney.”

Wilkins came up the idea after experiencing homelessness himself, giving him an understanding of what people living on the streets really need.

The Victorian service currently operates in Melbourne’s CBD and in Werribee on the outer-western fringe of Melbourne.

Those wanting to contribute to the project can visit the One Voice website and follow the links to help get a Sydney service on the road.

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