With 116,000 Australians experiencing homelessness, Lime is teaming up with Orange Sky and 3rd Space to support their vital homeless support services in Brisbane

We're excited to announce partnerships with two of Brisbane’s leading service providers for people experiencing homelessness, Orange Sky and Third Space.

Starting today, Lime will provide free e-scooter rides to Orange Sky volunteers to help them travel safely to and from their shifts. Orange Sky offers free laundry and shower services to people experiencing homeless and anyone in need.

In addition, Lime has designated 3rd Space, an organisation focused on preventing homelessness and supporting those experiencing homelessness, as its Lime Hero partner in Brisbane, meaning scooter riders will be able to round up the cost of their rides to support 3rd Space’s vital work.“At Lime, we look for ways to go beyond providing sustainable transportation options to make a broader impact in cities,” said Lauren Mentjox, Government Relations Director at Lime. “The valuable work of Orange Sky and 3rd Space in extending a helping hand to those experiencing homelessness truly stood out and we were eager to offer our support. With free e-scooter rides for Orange Sky volunteers and financial support for 3rd Space, we hope to strengthen these services and help Brisbane residents in need find permanent housing solutions. It’s our way of saying thank you for their crucial work.”“We help people from so many different backgrounds and experiences to access free laundry, warm showers and genuine, non-judgemental conversation,” said Victoria Page, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Orange Sky. “You just never know how a simple conversation might impact a person's life. Our partners and supporters are key to helping us continue to raise awareness about the many reasons that lead to experiences of homelessness. We're thankful to Lime for recognising the importance of the services we provide to those in need and appreciate their support of free, safe and sustainable transportation for our volunteers.”

Through our Lime Hero program, Lime offers our riders the ease and opportunity of supporting a local community-based organisation in nearly 100 cities around the world. In Brisbane, Lime riders are able to round up the cost of their rides to donate to 3rd Space to help break cycles of homelessness for their fellow Brisbane residents in need.

3rd Space offers a drop-in center to those in danger of- or experiencing homelessness to provide support, including free meals, medical, mental health, law, tenancy and employment services, all aimed at ending persistent cycles of homelessness. What third places offer, in contrast to first places (home) and second places (work), is a place to put aside concerns. It has promoted social equity, fostered public association and offered psychological support services in the community for over 40 years.

“We thank Lime for their support, and the support of their riders, that goes to the work done at 3rd Space with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless,” said Lesley Leece, CEO at 3rd Space.

Also aimed at supporting Brisbanites in need, Orange Sky volunteers provide access to free laundry and shower services while connecting with people in need through genuine and non-judgemental conversation. In the hour or so that it takes to do a load of laundry, volunteers sit down outdoors in orange chairs and have a chat – it’s a simple opportunity for everyday Australians to connect and helps those in need maintain an important sense of dignity while assuring them they are not alone during a difficult moment in their lives.

The news from Lime follows its recent announcement of a substantial investment in expanding e-bike services to more cities around the world, with a particular focus on Brisbane. If allowed by the City of Brisbane, Lime’s e-bikes will complement e-scooter services to provide a new, easy-to-use option for longer trips. With additional sustainable, open-air and socially-distanced transportation options, Brisbanites would be able to travel safer and more confidently as the city aims to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.