Buy tickets now
An event powered by
Search
Close this search box.

NEW PROJECT TO HELP PEOPLE SURVIVING COVID-19 ON THE STREETS

Developed back in 2014, the Sheltersuit takes new life and travels to Africa to help people fighting the pandemic

 

Back in 2014, Dutch designer Bas Timmer developed the first Sheltersuit: a weather-proof, wearable sleeping bag which was specially designed to offer protection, warmth and dignity to the homeless. Since then, the Sheltersuit Foundation has produced and distributed thousands of suits throughout the Netherlands, Greece and the United States. Earlier this year, the project launched a chapter in South Africa, where volunteers are now taking to the streets in assistance of the country’s most vulnerable.

The birth of the Shelterbag

Sheltersuit South Africa was introduced by Timmer last February, during his talk at the prestigious Design Indaba conference in Cape Town. On stage, he demonstrated the ingenious design of the original Sheltersuit, which is made from durable, upcycled materials and equipped with a large, integrated hood and scarf. Then he presented the new Shelterbag: a lightweight version specifically created for warmer climates. 

 

Shelterbags are water – and windproof, but are made from a breathable fabric and designed to allow for better ventilation. They can be rolled up in seconds and are easily carried along. The suits also contain pockets, a built-in pillow, and additional space for padding in the bottom of the sleeping bag.

 

Shelterbag

 

“Just like the Sheltersuit, the Shelterbag is also made from recycled material,” adds Youp Meek, who is a board member of the Foundation. “We have found sponsors to cover the costs of production so that they can be given away for free.” Working together with local shelters and NGO’s, the team were able to donate 250 shelterbags to Cape Town’s homeless during the first month of operations.

A social workshop

In the Netherlands, every sheltersuit is produced in a factory that employs individuals from fragile communities like homeless people and refugees. To offer the same opportunities in South Africa, the project has partnered up with a local skills centre and sewing workshop called The Ark. Here, the team is now training formerly homeless men, women and youth to manufacture Shelterbags. “We encourage our workers to be financially and socially independent, which enables them to build a better future,” reads the project statement.

 

Shelterbag
The sewing workshop at The Ark.

Of course, because of COVID-19, the team has had to adapt their plans. “We have taken all necessary safety measures in our workshop for everyone to work with enough distance from one another. The Shelterbag can be assembled by one person. This is, of course, a little slower, but this way we’re able to keep our production going in a safe manner,” explains Meek. 

At the same time, demand for the suits and bags — in all countries — are rising rapidly. “Because of the Corona crisis, shelters currently have less space available for homeless people,” explains Bas Timmer.  “After all, people have to keep their distance. There are also homeless people who are afraid to use the shelter for fear of the virus.”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Maker Faire Rome – The European Edition has been committed since eight editions to make innovation accessible and usable to all, with the aim of not leaving anyone behind. Its blog is always updated and full of opportunities and inspiration for makers, makers, startups, SMEs and all the curious ones who wish to enrich their knowledge and expand their business, in Italy and abroad.

Follow us, subscribe to our newsletter: we promise to let just the right content for you to reach your inbox

Promoted by
SUPPORTED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH
with the support of
With the patronage
in partnership with
Thanks to
in partnership with
Main Partner
Gold partner
Silver partner
Bronze partner
Cybersecurity Expert
Official Car
main media partner
MAIN MEDIA partner
press & digital
media partner
technical media partner
media partner
Technical media partner
PADEL TECHNICAL PARTNER
with the free patronage of

testimonials