Designed to raise awareness of the issues faced by homeless people in the region, the stall featured a pillow and blanket on top of a piece of cardboard alongside a sign asking ‘Would you sleep here?’

While Magnolia Place social student Lucie* admitted the makeshift bed reflected the common perception of the homelessness, she said the issue had a broader definition within the community.

“It’s not just about what people see when they are out and about,” she said.

“If you don’t have a home that is safe and secure, then you are homeless.

“People always talk about the importance of having a roof over their heads, but the type of roof also needs to be looked at.

“Does violence happen underneath the roof? Is the roof affordable?”

The stall was part of a series of events organised around the state by Shelter Tasmania throughout this week.

Officially launched in Hobart on Tuesday, the theme for this year is ‘Action and Innovation’.

Lucie said Thursday’s stall at Meadow Mews served to continue the community conversation on the topic.

“People were very friendly and also generous,” she said.

“Some had only heard about National Homelessness Week in the past couple of days, but we had people who were willing to share their experiences with us.”

*Last name has been withheld at the request of interviewee.