QUEANBEYAN’S Sleepbus remains in action and “soldering on” through the city’s covid challenge.

It comes as the bus clocks up 100 “safe sleeps” off the street for rough sleepers in Queanbeyan, since launching in March.

Sleepbus director Simon Rowe says the 14-bed bus, built to provide homeless people with a safe place, remains in action and “open for business” amid the city’s covid enforced lockdown.

“We are an essential service so we continue to operate, we still need to soldier on and give people a safe place to sleep if they want it,” says Mr Rowe.

“That being said things have been quiet during covid, even people sleeping rough are staying in their spots and not coming out.”

Since launching in March, Mr Rowe says the Sleepbus has provided 100 safe sleeps for the city’s most vulnerable.

“That’s a pretty good milestone to achieve,” Mr Rowe says.

“Some nights we are full, some nights we are not, but we are here and always open as an option for people.”

Mr Rowe, who was once homeless himself, says the pandemic continues to be an anxious time for many in the community, including the homeless.

“Whether you are sleeping rough or not we are all human, homeless people still fear getting covid and being around people, they share the same fears that we do too,” he says.

Built through charitable donations, Sleepbus includes toilets, lockers, pet kennels, security and an intercom system.

Each small sleeping pod comes with a mattress, pillows, sheets, blankets, a lockable door, USB charger and a television with a special channel showing services in the area for pathways out of homelessness.

“We had a dozen regulars for months but many of them have since found accommodation, which is great because Sleepbus is designed not to be a long term solution,” Mr Rowe says.

“But we are open and here for anyone who needs us, no matter what’s going on.”

Sleepbus is stationed in the carpark of the Queanbeyan Visitors Centre on Monaro Street and operates from 8.30pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night.