Vinnies CEO Sleepout calls on leaders to take action on homelessness

As the continued impact of the housing and homelessness crisis is felt across the country, the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is calling on leaders from across industries to come together to raise awareness and funds in support of homelessness.

According to the latest census, more than 122,000 people are reported to be homeless, with NSW accounting the most of any state or territory. Recent data from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare shows there has been a significant increase in unassisted requests for assistance over the last 3 years in NSW. Meanwhile, hundreds of Australians experiencing homelessness are dying prematurely in the nationwide crisis.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a leading provider of frontline services, with more than 100 local services across the state. The Society supported more than 28,000 people through its homelessness and housing, health and community and inclusion services over the past year.

“The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is the largest fundraiser held by the St Vincent de Paul Society each year and plays an integral role in ensuring our services have the capacity to meet the growing need that exists in the community,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“There has been a significant demand on our services over the past year due to ongoing cost of living and housing pressures. We know that one in two people who try to access support from Specialist Homelessness Services in NSW are being turned away.” 

This is the 19th year the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has taken place, with more than $91 million raised nationally to support the vital work performed by the St Vincent de Paul Society’s homelessness services. 

As well as spending the longest and coldest night of the year sleeping outdoors, each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them. 

“Funds raised from the Vinnies CEO Sleepout enables the Society to operate a range of services including crisis accommodation, domestic and family violence refuges, GPs for people with complex needs, alcohol and other drug facilities, social housing, case management and more.

“We’ve also expanded the capacity of our Vinnies Vans so that in addition to providing meals and connection, we have case workers who can provide referrals and meet the needs of people experiencing disadvantage throughout the community,” said Ms Saiz.

“No one should endure homelessness, everyone deserves a home. The impact the event is able to make extends well beyond the night as participants are challenged to use their connections and influence to make a difference in addressing homelessness.

“We look forward to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout making a profound difference to the lives of the people we assist, and I encourage and thank participants and donors in anticipation of their involvement once again in 2024,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place on Thursday 20 June across Australia with NSW events in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

CEO and Senior Leaders can register to participate and donate online at www.ceosleepout.org.au.