NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout 2023

Its all about Local supporting Locals

The rising cost of living, the rental crisis and lingering impacts of the pandemic have created a perfect storm that has increased the rate of homelessness. Now, thousands of people across NSW are turning to Vinnies for help – many for the very first time.

Vinnies asks the community to assist us in highlighting the issue and raising funds for their fellow Aussies in their local area that are doing it tough by participating in the Vinnies Community Sleepout that will be held across the state on Friday 25th August 2023.

Communities across regional and metro NSW will come together in solidarity and join in a state-wide effort to do something about it. Participants will take part in an experiential event where they are given nothing more than a piece of cardboard, a light dinner and will brave the cold for one night whilst learning about some of the harsh realities faced by those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

The recent statistics from the 2021 Census show that in NSW, over the last decade homelessness in this state has increased by 27%.

Homelessness does not only mean sleeping rough. In NSW:
• 3% are sleeping rough or in improvised dwellings
• 14% are in supported accommodation for the homeless
• 25% are in boarding houses
• 16% are temporarily staying with other households / lodging
• 42% are in severely overcrowded dwellings

Some of us that may never experience the cycle of homelessness and its effects, this one night in the cold in August will give a small glimpse of what the vulnerable in our community may experience.

So please grab your winter woolies and register for our Vinnies Community Sleepouts.