On Friday 7 August, over 140 people braved the cold and rolled out their sleeping bags to raise funds and awareness for people facing homelessness and housing stress. A very big THANK YOU to everyone who supported Home Sweet and helped make the night such a success. Together we have raised over $253,000 for people in our communities doing it tough.
As participants reflected on the night, there was a shared understanding that while Home Sweet offers a glimpse into the challenges of sleeping outdoors, it can never truly replicate the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness and housing stress. For many of us, a warm shower, a comfortable bed and the support of loved ones awaited at home. For many others, they do not.
A 5% increase in rough sleeping over the past year is an indicator that the need for action has never been greater. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a coordinated response from homelessness services, housing providers, government, and the private sector.
Home Sweet brings all these groups together, united by a shared determination to create real change for people facing homelessness and housing stress.
Funds raised will be split evenly between Platform Youth Services, Birribee Housing and Link Wentworth’s Scholarship program. Each organisation shared the life-changing impact these funds will have on people in our communities.
Thank you to…
Thank you to Penrith Community Kitchen who made sure everyone was fed with delicious soup and pasta. Thank you to TOTS Blanket Challenge for making sure everyone was warm. And thank you to every sponsor, fundraiser, donor and sleepee, who made the night possible.
A big thank you to Campos Coffee for helping everyone start the day with a much-needed coffee, Mama Lana’s Community Foundation for providing breakfast, Penrith Yoga Studio for leading a morning yoga session, and The Today Show for helping shine a spotlight on the importance of this event.
The event comes as homelessness continues to rise, with 2,308 people recorded sleeping rough in NSW this year – a five per cent increase on the previous year.
Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said the timing couldn’t be more important as rising living costs and a worsening housing crisis push more Australians to the brink.
“We are seeing more people than ever being forced to make impossible decisions between covering everyday expenses and keeping a roof over their head,” Mr McAnulty said.
“Home Sweet gives people the chance to experience, even for one night, a small glimpse of what sleeping rough can feel like, while raising money to support people who are doing it tough every day.”
Now in its fifth year, Home Sweet continues to bring together community leaders, businesses and residents who want to make a difference.
“Every dollar raised is a lifeline. It can help a young person stay in school, connect people with vital support services or give someone the stability they need to get back on their feet,” he said.
Funds raised this year will support services and programs such as Aboriginal community housing provider, Birribee Housing, and Link Wentworth’s Scholarship Program that helps people living in social, affordable and transitional housing with the costs of education, training and personal development.
Home Sweet will also provide funding for Platform Youth Services which is the leading specialist homelessness service for young people across Penrith.
“We know one night sleeping in a swag isn’t the same as experiencing homelessness, but it does start important conversations and reminds people that too many Australians don’t have a safe place to call home,” Mr McAnulty said.
“If everyone who hears about Home Sweet donates what they can or helps spread the word, together we will help more people in our community access the support they need.”
Check out Home Sweet as featured on The Today Show!
