Western Sydney locals are invited to swap their beds for sleeping bags as part of the annual NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout on Friday 29 August, held at the Parramatta South Campus of Western Sydney University.
The Sleepout encourages residents to brave the cold to raise funds and awareness for those facing hardship across Greater Sydney, supporting the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
While many Catholic students across the Diocese of Parramatta participate in local school-based initiatives inspired by the Sleepout, Stefan Boffa from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese’s Quality & Performance team has participated in the Greater Sydney event and will do so again this year. Stefan is a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Baulkham Hills Vinnies Conference, which raises funds locally.
“A number of our parishioners take part in the Community Sleepout each year, whether by sleeping rough themselves (this year I’ll be sleeping in my car) or by helping with the organisation and running of the event,” Stefan said.
“The Community Sleepout is a way for us to heighten awareness of homelessness in our parish and to raise money which will go towards helping our less fortunate sisters and brothers.”
Also participating this year are the teachers and more than 15 students from Gilroy Catholic College.
Fr Fernando Montano VG, Episcopal Vicar for Social Welfare, regularly works with Vinnies volunteers, especially at Christmas, when the St Bernadette’s Parish community in Castle Hill – where he serves as parish priest – packs and blesses hampers for people in need, with strong support from local Catholic schools.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society is a well-known organisation in our parish communities. The sleepout and winter appeal are opportunities to respond with compassion and generosity to the call of Jesus to help those in need, especially those who are in the margins and those who are unknown to us but not to the Lord who looks after all,” Fr Fernando said.
“At the same time, it is a call to action to find solutions for those who struggle to find safe and affordable housing where people can flourish and live in circumstances where their human dignity is upheld and protected.”
Reaching to the margins
Fr Fernando said Jesus invites us clearly to find him in those who are in the margins, and that it is up to each generation of Christians to “recognise where are the margins and who we find there”.
“In our times, they are the people who struggle to find a place to stay and call home, those who cannot afford a dignified accommodation, those who are forced to escape situations of violence and abuse and on top of that find themselves vulnerable, alone and facing the challenges of insecurity, rain, heat, and loneliness,” he said.
“These are realities that we cannot turn blind or deaf to – but we are called to action as we see the face of Christ in those in need.”
Helen Emmerson, Executive Director of Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, a long-time partner of Vinnies, said the demand for help continues to grow.
“Every week, we meet newly homeless people or people who have to make the choice between rent and food,” Helen said.
“Our advice is simple: just ask us how we can help. Drop in to our community centres at Emerton, Orchard Hills or Springwood – or give us a call. You might be surprised by how much support we offer, all with compassion and discretion.”
Funds raised remain in Greater Sydney, supporting Vinnies members, centres and vans. Last year, 125 local participants raised over $81,000.
“Every dollar raised stays here, helping local people access food, crisis support, housing assistance and pathways to stability,” Helen said.
With over 25,000 people experiencing homelessness in Greater Sydney, Louis Hearnden, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Regional Director – Metropolitan, said, “Everyone can play a role in addressing hardship in our community. The Sleepout highlights this ongoing need and the vital role of Society NSW.”
Peter Houweling, State President, added, “Hardship comes in many forms, which is why Vinnies’ work is so vital to ensuring support when it’s needed most.”
To register or donate, visit: www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.
