Commit to action this Homelessness Week by joining the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is calling on local communities to commit to action during Homelessness Week by signing up and fundraising as part of the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout.

Taking place on Friday 25 August, participants will sleep out for one night, with funds raised remaining in local communities to support programs and services operated by the Society.

Participating in the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout is a direct action locals can take as part of Homelessness Week (7 – 13 August) to highlight issues occurring in their community and push for longer-term housing solutions. 

“This year’s theme for Homelessness Week – ‘It’s time to end homelessness’ – coincides with many of the issues we will be raising as part of the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO. 

“We know that there are many factors that contribute and entrench homelessness such as inadequate income support payments, a shortage of affordable housing, specialist services stretched to capacity as well as people remaining in unsafe living conditions due to a lack of viable alternatives. 

“The Society is seeing the firsthand consequences of the soaring cost of living with one in three people seeking assistance from our members for the first time this past financial year. We hope to draw a clear connection between the challenges many people are facing right now and the consequences that can arise if the situation worsens without intervention,” said Ms Saiz.

“Funds raised through events such as the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout assist our members to meet current cases involving homelessness. Sadly, we recognise such cases will increase into the future. I encourage concerned community members to commit to one night in order to experience and appreciate the reality of homelessness and the associated hardship. Please help your local St Vincent de Paul team to continue their impact regarding homelessness,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

NSW Vinnies Community Sleepouts will be held in Albury, Armidale, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga and Western Sydney on Friday 25 August.

People can register to take part and donate at www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.