Vinnies CEO Sleepout marks 20 years with $8.3 million raised nationally, $2.5 in NSW

The 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout has marked its 20th anniversary with more than $8.3 million raised nationally in support of addressing homelessness.

In New South Wales, business and community leaders raised $2.5 which will be used to enable the work of homelessness and housing services run by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. Grant Steward, Consep Managing Director and Founder, raised $205,000 to finish as the highest NSW fundraiser.

The funds raised will enable the Society NSW to provide a range of assistance, including crisis accommodation, domestic and family violence refuges, GPs for people with complex needs, alcohol and other drug facilities, social housing, case management, and mobile outreach via Vinnies Vans.  

“This is a wonderful result for the 20th anniversary of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and shows the generosity of support that has been built in the name of addressing homelessness,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout was first held in 2006 to raise funds and awareness in support of homelessness. The event has grown nationally an raised more than $100 million over the past two decades with over 1,500 registered participants sleeping out across the country this year.

“Participants are able to gain a greater understanding of how homelessness impacts individuals and communities, as well as how they can use their positions of influence to bring about a more just and compassionate society.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is only one night of discomfort for the people who take part – our hope is that they are motivated to bring about change and support the work that Vinnies does every day,” said Ms Saiz.

More than 22,100 people have been supported over the past five years across the Society’s homelessness and housing services, including 6,420 people in the last 12 months. Domestic and family violence has consistently been the main reason people have sought assistance from these services, followed by housing pressures such as evictions and rent increases.

More than 122,000 people in Australia are currently homeless according to the most recent Census. NSW accounts for the highest number of homeless people of any state, increasing by 27% over the past decade to a total of 35,000.

“The funds raised through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will make an immense impact for the people we assist through our services across the state,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“Our services are meeting with people in times of need every day, so having the support of business and community leaders will ensure we can meet their needs right now and into the future. It is heartening to see such a generous outpouring of support over so many years which has allowed the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW to help transform lives for the better,” said Mr Houweling.

Donations for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout remain open until 31 July – all donations over $2 are tax deductible – at www.ceosleepout.org.au.