Our founder Elyse Daniels is joining some of Australia’s most prominent business and community leaders sleeping rough on one of the coldest nights of the year as part of the CEO Sleepout. The CEO Sleepout involves over 1000 CEO’s sleeping out in the cold, experiencing what over 100,000 Australians experience every night. Their goal is to increase the profile of homelessness and raise crucial funds for Vinnies homeless service.
The event has developed a strong network of committed business and community leaders determined to help us overcome homelessnes. Every dollar raised helps Vinnies deliver the basics of life – key ingredients for vulnerable members of our community to rebuild their sense of dignity and hope. Vinnies supports those experiencing homelessness through a range of person centred and holistic support services including crisis accommodation, domestic violence support, access to budget counselling, lifeskills courses and legal advice, as well as assisting in planning for change and their return to independent living.
Elyse grew up with a loving and supporting family who she credits for helping her to achieve her current success. It is very important to her that she gives back to the community and supports those who are less fortunate. One area she hopes to make a difference in is homelessness.
“I live in Sydney CBD so I am exposed more than most people to homelessness and have actually come to personally know a few of the people living on Sydney’s streets. Walking home late at night and seeing someone asleep on the side walk or in a park is what inspired me to do the CEO Sleepout. I want to know first hand what it is like to spend the night outside in the cold and hopefully my actions will bring awareness and raise much needed funds to end homelessness in Sydney”.
“I was shocked to learn more than 105,000 Australians find themselves experiencing homelessness on any given night of the year. Australia is labelled the ‘Lucky Country’ yet so many people are experiencing extreme poverty. Homelessness exists on our own door step and sadly it is on the rise. I have risen to the challenge and will be sleeping rough at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout this year to raise vital awareness about the issue of homelessness and much needed funds, which go directly to Vinnies to support homeless services throughout Australia”.
The face of homelessness is changing and now sadly encompasses an increasing number of women, families and children. Some of the statistics below may shock you:
Below is the story of Jason that we would like to share with you:
Jason had a troubled childhood, growing up with an abusive alcoholic father Jason was constantly walking on egg shells. He isolated himself from others, scared of what they might see. Unable to deal with his past, Jason turned to drugs and alcohol to deal with the pain.
“I hadn’t dealt with issues from my past and to open them was like opening Pandora’s Box. Once you open it you can’t shut it. The only way to shut it was through drink. I had to pretty much destroy myself to find myself,” says Jason explaining his journey through homelessness.
Coming to the Matthew Talbot Hostel was the start of a long road for Jason. His road to recovery from alcoholism and mental health issues was a long and tough one. What kept him on track he says was the support of staff at the Talbot.
“Whenever I would relapse I would tell my case worker straight away. They helped me become more open as a person as I didn’t want to hide anything from him. I tend to do things myself but getting along with people at the Talbot has been essential for me to move on from this place. They have helped me and watched me grow as a person,” says Jason.
Jason became involved with music room at the Ozanam Learning Centre where he taught himself how to play guitar, something he describes as “life-changing”.
Through the Job Placement Centre, Jason was able to get a computer where he’s able to write down all of his music as well as his poems and songs.
With a new confidence and strength, Jason has enrolled in a Carpentry and Joinery TAFE Certificate which he hopes will open up options for future employment.
“Thanks to the Talbot – they have motivated me to actually want to have a go and do things. This place is more than just a building. Without this place, I wouldn’t be here.”
Jason’s story shows how your generous donations can change people’s lives in such a profound way.
The CEO Sleepout will take place on the 23rd of June 2016. It only takes a moment to help write a new chapter in the story of homelessness and ultimately break the cycle. To donate you can do so on Elyse’s CEO Profile Page.
