From home seller to homeless and back – Alex signs up for CEO Sleepout challenge

Noosa real estate agent Alex Harris is dedicated to helping people find their dream home; but just 13 years ago she had none to call her own. 

“In 2012 I got really sick – if I kept working, I was going to die. It was that bad,” she said. 

“I had to close my business, I had no funds and slept on a bench in my mother’s garage for seven months. 

“I had always worked so hard in my life – within one year I found myself with no income, no support, no place to live. It was a very dark time. 

“Homelessness is more common than people think and it can happen at any time – something like illness, divorce, loss of a job can be enough to change your life forever.” 

Wanting to help lift others out of the cycle of homelessness, the Noosa4Sale Managing Director has signed up for her fourth Vinnies CEO Sleepout. 

Returning to Brisbane, Maroochydore, and the Gold Coast on 19 June, the CEO Sleepout brings together local community and business leaders to raise vital funds for homelessness support, including building affordable homes to help Queenslanders out of homelessness for the long-term. 

In the last financial year, Vinnies Queensland provided more than 128,000 nights of accommodation to people in need and supported more than 1,300 Queenslanders experiencing homelessness to secure long-term housing. 

“When I was at my lowest, I was too embarrassed to reach out for support. I was from a successful business background so it was shocking to find myself in that situation,” Alex said. 

“If I could do it all again, I wouldn’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help. 

“I know Vinnies does an incredible job helping, not just those who are homeless but those struggling with poverty or cost of living, so I had no hesitation getting involved.” 

To sign up, learn more or donate to the CEO Sleepout, visit ceosleepout.org.au