Vinnies CEO Sleepout and cold hard truths on Australian homelessness
July 30, 2024
Our CEO, Jo Johnston took part in their first Vinnies CEO Sleepout back in June. Following a successful fundraising event, she wanted to share her experience from the night:
“On 20 June I joined 1,591 CEOs across Australia to participate in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and raise money to support Australians in need. With temperatures plummeting to 7 degrees overnight and just a sheet of cardboard between me and the asphalt, I soon learned the physical discomfort faced by those experiencing homelessness.
One night spent in the cold does not match up to the ongoing uncertainty, lack of security and sheer mental toll that Australians experiencing homelessness endure. According to the most recent Census, more than 122,000 people in Australia are currently homeless, with NSW accounting for the highest number of homeless people of any state with a total of 35,000.
Our own sector is not immune from these concerns.
Earlier this year Creative Australia released a major report on the Australian creative workforce that shows it is now harder than ever for professional artists to make a living, with two in five unable to meet basic living costs – an alarming stat for the creative and cultural industry.
Whilst the experience of homelessness cannot be replicated, participants were fortunate to hear from people who have used Vinnies’ services in the past and learn about the events that led them to homelessness.
We were joined by a young woman who recounted her childhood memories, some of which were made in Vinnies housing. For her, the housing provided a safe space and the emotional freedom to be a kid and she thinks of her time with Vinnies fondly. Through events like the CEO Sleepout, we can help more Australians facing homelessness and let children be children.
Discomfort aside, it was an incredibly moving experience, and I am truly grateful to Vinnies and the people that shared their stories with us. With the $7.7 million raised nationally (and $2.5 million raised in NSW), Vinnies will be able to support many Australians, including families, and help them get back on their feet. I am also very grateful to everyone who donated and supported me in my fundraising for the event – thank you!”