THE St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is calling on the Greater Sydney community to make a commitment this Homelessness Week (5 – 11 August) by signing up and fundraising as part of the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout.
Taking place on Friday 30 August, participants in Greater Sydney will sleep out at Western Sydney University – Parramatta South Campus, with funds raised from the event remaining in the local area to support programs and services operated by the Society.
“This year’s Homelessness Week theme – ‘Homelessness Action Now’ – emphasises the issues confronting communities across the state and the local responses that play a vital role in providing early intervention,” said Kate Conroy, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Member and Youth Engagement Manager.
“The NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout aims to raise awareness of the factors that contribute to hardship and homelessness, while raising funds to enable our services to get people the support they need in times of crisis.
“Our members and services are experiencing high levels of demand from a wide cross section of the community, including people who have never needed support previously due to ongoing cost of living impacts.
“Events like the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout acknowledge the need for greater support from government, along with the ability of people to take meaningful action right now where they live,” said Ms Conroy.
Figures recorded by the Society revealed more than 37,400 people sought assistance from Vinnies members across the Sydney Metropolitan Region – increasing by 26% over the past financial year – with three in four seeking support due to a shortage of food and close to half experiencing housing stress.
Funds raised from the Western Sydney event will enable the Society to continue aiding with food vouchers, rent, medical expenses, and many other essentials to people in the region facing hardship through members and support centres.
NSW Vinnies Community Sleepouts will be held in Albury, Armidale, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga and Greater Sydney on Friday 30 August.
People can register to take part and donate at www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.
