2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout: 20 years of impact in the fight against homelessness

This year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will mark its 20th anniversary, bringing together CEOs and senior executives from across Australia for a night outdoors to raise critical funds and awareness for Australia’s homelessness crisis.

On Thursday, 19 June 2025, business leaders will spend a winter night outdoors to gain a small insight into the challenges of those experiencing homelessness and to help drive change.

Since its launch in 2006, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has evolved from a grassroots initiative in Homebush into a nationwide movement, raising nearly $100 million to support vital homelessness services run by the St Vincent de Paul Society. With thousands still struggling to find stable housing, the mission is more urgent than ever.

“Reaching the 20-year milestone demonstrates the business community's commitment to the cause, but is also a stark reminder of the challenges we still face,” said Bernard Fehon OAM, Founder of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

“What started as a local effort has grown into a nationwide tradition and a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a home and a place to feel safe. We’re determined to continue working toward our vision of real change and ending homelessness.”

The latest Census figures highlight a steady rise in homelessness across Australia over the past decade. Between 2016 and 2021, homelessness increased by over 5%, following a 14% increase between 2011 and 2016.

In New South Wales alone, 35,000 people go to bed without secure housing each night. Recent figures from the City of Sydney’s February 2025 Street Count show 345 people are sleeping rough in the inner city each night- this is a 24% increase from the previous year.

“These concerning figures highlight the urgent need for action,” said Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

“With homelessness and rough sleeping on the rise and the housing crisis worsening across NSW, immediate assistance is critical.”

NSW also faces challenges in providing adequate housing assistance. The state made up nearly a quarter (24%) of the 280,000 people assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services between 2023 and 2024, according to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare.

Over half (53%) of these individuals were without adequate housing before receiving assistance, which is higher than the national average of 48%. Vinnies NSW reported that while its homelessness and housing services have assisted 6,746 individuals and families in 2024/25, 3,094 people remained unassisted.

Adding to the challenge, the City of Sydney Street Count revealed that 98% of government-funded crisis accommodation beds are occupied, leaving little room for those in need of a safe place to stay.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout remains our most significant fundraising event and this year in New South Wales we are aiming to raise $3 million. The much needed funds will allow us to provide emergency accommodation, food, healthcare, and practical support to those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness,” said Ms Saiz.

Participants will spend the night at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney, as well as events in Newcastle and Wollongong, offering them a glimpse into the harsh realities of homelessness. While their experience lasts just one night, thousands of Australians face housing insecurity every day.

As the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout approaches, we urge business and community leaders to take action against homelessness by signing up, fundraising, and taking a stand to help make a lasting impact. Registration details and further information can be found at ceosleepout.org.au.