Call to support fundraising for over 1,500 homeless on the Sunshine Coast.

With homelessness affecting more than 1,500 men, women and children on the Sunshine Coast, a group of local dignitaries, business people and community members are gearing up to sleep rough in the name of charity, participating in the St Vincent de Paul Corporate and Community Sleepout 2017 on Thursday, 29 June.

The Sunshine Coast Business Council is once again putting its full weight behind the initiative and Chair Sandy Zubrinich said while she and the other 32 members and politicians participating still had a few months before rolling out their sleeping bags and beanies, the fundraising effort was about to begin.

“We’re delighted to have more than doubled the number of members and supporters coming on board this year to raise as much as possible for this very worthy cause and encourage anyone thinking about joining to do so,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“This year, our group is aiming to raise more than $40,000 for homeless services, so the more people we can encourage to join us on the night or simply donate a few dollars to the cause, the bigger the difference we’ll be able to make in assisting our homeless population on the Coast.”

“It’s easy to take for granted just how lucky many of us are to have a roof over our heads and food on the table each day, and this event really does open your eyes to the tough conditions our region’s homeless face night after night.”

St Vincent de Paul Society Northern Diocesian President Ian Laherty said he expected overall the event to raise $200,000 and that he was delighted to see the business community and local politicians get behind the event. He said funds raised would be put toward establishing a supply of transitional housing on the Sunshine Coast over the long term.

“More immediately, the donations will assist with things like the provision of emergency accommodation and food expenses,” Mr Laherty said.

“In the eight months to 1 March 2017, the St Vincent de Paul Northern Diocese provided support to 400 homeless individuals including 250 children, so the ongoing need for these services is enormous.”

Mr Laherty said in addition to delivering financial assistance for food, necessary travel, rent and bonds, St Vincent de Paul also connected homeless people in need with other health and education-focused organisations, and provided emotional support to assist over short term crises.

“Since the global financial crisis in 2008, we have seen a spike in family homelessness in particular, with many families placed under financial stress and facing domestic violence,” Mr Laherty said.

“We also tend to see a lot of single men aged between 25 and 65 living on the streets and believe the lack of private and public sector housing availability and high rental costs has contributed to an increase in homelessness.”

“This is exacerbated further by the fact that many of the men and women we support have mental health issues, making it difficult for them to gain or sustain housing tenancy.”

Mr Laherty said he was grateful to everyone participating in the Sleepout or donating to the cause, and hoped the initiative would prompt a better understanding of homelessness.

“One of the major misconceptions around homelessness is that it is predominantly a choice. In many cases, homelessness comes about through factors out of a person’s control – whether this is mental or physical illness, financial instability, lack of education, domestic violence or something else entirely.”

“We undoubtedly require more social housing and further specialist programs to help this vulnerable sector of our community.”

“To be successful, it’s crucial we not only assist with delivering housing, education and employment opportunities wherever possible, but also take into account common issues and risks so we can ensure those receiving support remain employed and housed over the long term.”

The St Vincent de Paul Corporate and Community Sleepout 2017 will take place on Thursday, 29 June outside the Maroochydore Surf Club. Participants will be provided with a piece of cardboard to sleep on or build a shelter with, and a basic meal of soup, bread rolls, tea and coffee.

To donate to the cause, register to participate or find out more, please visit www.communitysleepout.org.au. Tickets can also be purchased online for a chance to win a CX3 Mazda via the 2017 Vinnies Corporate and Community Sleepout 2017 Art Union draw, with all proceeds being put towards homeless services.

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Media contact: Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing 0410 109 102 maya@freshprm.com.au