In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, residents of Western Sydney are gearing up to brave the cold for a noble cause, and it’s not too late to register to attend or donate.
On Friday, 25 August, the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout will take place at Western Sydney University’s Rydalmere campus, where locals will spend a night outdoors to raise funds and gain firsthand insights into the harsh realities of homelessness. The event aims to support four Vinnies Support Centres in Harris Park, Blacktown, Emerton, and Penrith, providing vital material and financial assistance to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The rising cost of living and the ongoing housing crisis has intensified the conditions leading to homelessness, prompting many people to seek help from charitable organisations. According to Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Society NSW, 30% of those who sought assistance from their members did so for the first time. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need to address the pressing issues of hardship and homelessness.
“As the situation continues to worsen, it is crucial for us to acknowledge that homelessness can affect anyone, including our own families, friends, colleagues, and community members”, emphasised Paul Burton, St. Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President, stressing the importance of collective action and community support.
Last year’s event saw over 310 participants coming together, raising a commendable sum of close to $275,000, which directly contributed to the Society’s efforts in assisting individuals facing hardship across the state. The funds provided much-needed aid in food, clothing, temporary accommodation, and assistance with bills.
Homelessness remains a significant concern across Australia, with over 122,000 people finding themselves without a safe and secure place to call home each night. Among the states, NSW accounts for the highest number of individuals experiencing homelessness, with a staggering 35,000 people affected.
“The reality is that many people are now faced with the difficult choice of putting food on the table or having a roof over their heads. This has sadly become an all-too-familiar story that our members witness every day,” said Yolanda Saiz, underlining the gravity of the situation.
With the current waitlist for social housing in NSW standing at approximately 57,000 applicants, equivalent to 125,000 people, many have been waiting for up to ten years for a home. Western Sydney alone has 16,209 applicants listed for social housing, including 1,169 needing priority housing. The demand for affordable and stable housing is undoubtedly urgent, and events like the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout are powerful reminders of the dire need for action.
As the Sleepout approaches, there is a call for participation from everyone willing to contribute. Yolanda is urging individuals from all walks of life to join the event to better understand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the factors leading to their disadvantage. By coming together and sharing just one night of discomfort, the community hopes to stand in solidarity with those less fortunate and inspire lasting change.
You can register to be part of the NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout or donate at www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.
