Vinnies CEO Sleepout calls for leaders to act on homelessness

Business and community leaders will gain an insight into one of the greatest challenges confronting Australian society as part of the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 18 June.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout aims to raise awareness of homelessness and support specialist services operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

More than 122,000 people across Australia are experiencing homelessness, per the latest Census data, with New South Wales having the highest numbers of people (35,000) of any state or territory.

A new Census will be held later this year with concerns the number of people experiencing homelessness will have increased.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an opportunity for Australia’s business and community leaders to highlight the magnitude of homelessness occurring across the nation,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“Whether you live in a major city or regional community, homelessness has become a frightening reality for so many people who are reaching out for support.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW supported close to 6,700 people through its homelessness and housing services in the last financial year; the leading reason people sought assistance was domestic and family violence, accounting for 27 per cent of requests.

“The funds raised from the event allow our services to make an impact in people’s lives with emergency accommodation, food, healthcare, and case management to help them get back on their feet.

“A key part of the support our services offer is early intervention, helping prevent people from falling into homelessness in the first place,” said Ms Saiz.

Findings from the Productivity Commission revealed that more needs to be spent on homelessness services in NSW if we are to meet demand for assistance.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is our largest fundraising event of the year, generating vital funds to support the work of our programs and services,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“The funds we raise have the ability to transform lives, whether that’s keeping a family at risk of being evicted in their home or providing refuge to victim survivors of domestic violence.

“It’s only one night for the people taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout – but that night has the power to bring about change for years to come,” said Mr Houweling.

As part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, participating business and community leaders will have the opportunity to hear from people with lived experience of homelessness and disadvantage at the event, before braving the conditions on one of the coldest nights of the year.

Participants are challenged to draw on their experience and commit to action through their networks and organisations.

Business and community leaders in NSW can still register to take part in the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong on Thursday 18 June at www.ceosleepout.org.au.