An initiative of the St Vincent de Paul Society, and following on from the national Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Community Sleepout events provide everyday people with a brief glimpse into the harsh reality of homelessness faced by more than 116,000 Australians on any given night.
The local event will see dozens of participants come together to spend a night in the cold at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South Campus on Friday, August 30, aiming to raise awareness and much-needed funds to support those at risk of homelessness across Western Sydney.
A February 2019 Parramatta City Council count found more than 90 rough sleepers in the Parramatta CBD and fringes – an increase of 44 per cent from the previous year.
The local event will see dozens of participants come together to spend a night in the cold at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South Campus on Friday, August 30, aiming to raise awareness and much-needed funds to support those at risk of homelessness across Western Sydney.
A February 2019 Parramatta City Council count found more than 90 rough sleepers in the Parramatta CBD and fringes – an increase of 44 per cent from the previous year.
At the same time, a total of 394 people experiencing homeless were counted across the local government area, which was the highest number recorded since the count began in 2010.
In response to the growing issue, organisers of the Western Sydney event hope to raise $80,000 in support of Vinnies services that aim to prevent homelessness.
In response to the growing issue, organisers of the Western Sydney event hope to raise $80,000 in support of Vinnies services that aim to prevent homelessness.
The money raised will help fund emergency relief and financial assistance for people facing homelessness; and address social isolation through support, advocacy and referral programs.
Vinnies’ Parramatta Central Council President, Anne Stanfield, said there’s a growing need for Vinnies services across the region, with cost of living and housing stress seeing people struggle to make ends meet.
Western Sydney Community Sleepout Ambassador and St Vincent de Paul Society NSW executive, Susan Goldie, has a personal fundraising goal of $5,000 for this year’s event and encouraged local businesses and community groups to get involved to show that, as a community, we stand together.
Register to participate, sponsor a participant, or learn more about the initiative at
