One cold night raises $1.93m for homelessness support

Queensland business and community leaders spent a cold June’s night sleeping on cardboard at the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout – raising nearly $2m for homelessness support in the process. 

On June 20, more than 500 participants traded their warm beds for a spot on the floor across Sleepouts held at the Brisbane Riverstage, CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast and Maroochy Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast.

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the single night raised $1.93m, with all funds going to help Queenslanders facing or at high-risk of homelessness.

"We are so grateful to our local leaders for taking the challenge, spending the night sleeping rough while raising important funds and taking the time to learn more about the realities of homelessness and our housing crisis,” he said.

“Funds raised from our Brisbane and Gold Coast events will also go towards our 500 Homes in 5 Years project; building long-term housing for Queenslanders in need.

“The 500 Homes project is our way of ensuring the homelessness support we provide to at-risk Queenslanders won’t just provide accommodation for a few nights, but for years and years to come.”

At the Sleepout, participants were encouraged to consider the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, putting themselves in their shoes and discussing what we can do to help the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Queensland Housing Minister The Hon. Meaghan Scanlon made a guest appearance at the Gold Coast event, discussing the 60 homes the State Government and Vinnies Queensland will be building in Nerang as part of the 500 Homes project.

“At last year’s Sleepout, Minister Scanlon personally announced the first major step in building 500 homes – 147 new dwellings to be built in Nerang, Bundaberg and Toowoomba,” Mr Mercer said. 

“With support from the funds raised from the 2024 Sleepout, we are looking at new opportunities to build long-term supportive housing at other key regions across the state.” 

The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised a total of $8.2m for homelessness support across Australia, with more than 1,500 leaders signing up for the challenge.