Most backpackers plan for the worst, such as difficulties in finding a job, a vehicle breakdown or an emergency flight home. Something no one planned though, was to be stuck in a foreign country during a pandemic.
The implications towards backpackers in Australia goes further than just job loss—without financial support from the government. At the end of 2019, there were over 140,000 backpackers in Australia on Working Holiday Visas, according to the Australian Government. When COVID-19 became a pandemic, it was already too late for most backpackers to get home, even if they tried.
Backpackers have been left stranded with nowhere to stay, limited funds and a feeling of hopelessness. Chloe Hodnett, the founder of Adopt A Backpacker Australia and New South Wales, Facebook Groups faced similar problems. I spoke with Chloe to discuss why she started the movement, what the groups are about and how to get involved.
After selling everything she owned and planning to travel around Australia with her partner and two dogs, their plans were paused. First by the bush fires, and now by the pandemic.
Fortunately throughout this time Chloe was able to stay with family while waiting to travel again. Though she realized not everyone could do this, especially overseas travellers.
“I was overwhelmed with the thought that so many people would be stuck and helpless, that’s how the page started,” Chloe said in an email. “We want to help as many people as possible connect and get to a safe place as so many people have lost their jobs and have no way of getting home.”
The mission of Adopt A Backpacker is simple: to help backpackers, travellers and international students find free accommodation.
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What is Adopt A Backpacker?
Adopt A Backpacker is a set of Facebook groups and now a website to help connect backpackers, travellers and international students find free accommodation. There’s a group for each state and an Australian-wide page run by about eight people, including Chloe.
She said the Adopt A Backpacker Team reaches out to people in Australia who are willing to open their homes, backyards and maybe even motels and pubs that aren’t able to trade during the pandemic. It’s all to help people in need.
Backpackers and hosts are encouraged to enter the groups to either ask for a place to stay or to offer one, respectively.
The Adopt A Backpacker Team does more than just moderate posts in the groups. They also regularly provide the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, per state. This includes travel restrictions along with other laws related to COVID-19.
What can backpackers and hosts expect within the group?
Those entering the Adopt A Backpacker groups can inquire or offer accommodation in any location. Chloe said members are treated with kindness and empathy.
The team managing the groups spend countless hours monitoring that people are respectful. They also ensure members are following current Australian regulations and laws in accordance with COVID-19.
There aren’t any specific requirements for people to follow while accepting free accommodation, but Chloe said everyone is more than willing to help out however they can. People stay at accommodations anywhere from a few days, weeks or even months. “It all depends on how everyone is feeling in their own situation,” she said.
This gives backpackers, travellers and international students a unique experience by staying with an Australian family.
The groups also encourage members to share success stories within the group, and it happens regularly.
Check out success stories of Adopt A Backpacker, on their Instagram Page
Where and what type of accommodation is available?
There’s an Adopt A Backpacker Group for each state along with an Australia-wide page. All groups work together to help find free accommodation for backpackers, travellers and international students that have been left in limbo and without accommodation during the pandemic.
Hosts and potential-adoptees can enter the group of the state that they’re in and the national page. As most state borders are still closed it may not be possible to cross a border for accommodation.
Hosts have a wide variety of locations and types of accommodation throughout Australia. Chloe said hosts from all walks of life are offering accommodation, this could be a home on a huge cattle farm or a spare bedroom in a city. It could even be an available couch!
Aside from accommodation some hosts can offer a backyard or other location to park a vehicle as many campsites, including free campsites have been shutdown.
The type of accommodation, the duration of stay and other requirements are particular to each host.
How to get involved
The group started just as the COVID-19 pandemic took off in Australia shutting down businesses. Jointly the group is helping over 15,000 people throughout Australia.
Getting involved and showing support for the group is easy. However if you’re not looking for a place to stay or able to offer accommodation, simply sharing information on the group can be a way to show support.
Although many businesses are beginning to open again due to government regulations lifting, that doesn’t mean it’s over. Another wave of the virus spreading could cause businesses to shut down again, according to ABC News.
And despite some businesses opening, backpackers, travellers and international students may find it harder to find work and still need help with accomodation for jobs due to visa restrictions.
Here’s each Adopt a Backpacker Facebook Group:
- Adopt A Backpacker Australia
- Adopt A Backpacker NSW
- Adopt A Backpacker WA
- Adopt A Backpacker VIC
- Adopt A Backpacker TAS
- Adopt A Backpacker N.T.
- Adopt A Backpacker SA
At over 15,000 members in all of the Adopt A Backpacker groups, Chloe said the plan for the groups is to do what they can now. This means continuing to help connect and help as many people as possible.
For other backpacker staples check out How to Get Started in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.
