By Angela Newland
On Thursday 20 June, I walked into Optus Stadium in Perth armed with my sleeping bag and warm clothes tucked into a backpack to take part in the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. It was a chilly four-degree night, and I was joined by around 100 people from various WA organisations to setup camp within the stands of Perth’s largest venue.
The experience was one I won’t forget.
Before I share more about the sleepout, I wanted to share ‘why’ I signed up.
There is a civic centre around the corner from where I live and over the past four or so months when I take my dog out walking early in the morning, I have noticed an increasing number of people sleeping in their cars in the car park.
I think there’s often a misconception that it’s mainly men who find themselves homeless but, as we know, there are more and more women and young people finding themselves living on the streets.
As I get a little bit older, I want to do more with the community, and seeing this crisis hitting so close to home made me think about ways I can make a difference. Also, P&N Bank’s partnership with Vinnies WA has opened my eyes to the amazing work they do and inspired me to want to get more involved.
My experience sleeping ‘rough’
It was my first time participating in the CEO Sleepout and I didn’t expect to feel as nervous as I did when I arrived. It was daunting doing something I’ve never done before with people that I didn’t know, however that’s the experience many finding themselves without a home go through.
Once I’d collected my piece of cardboard to use as a mattress, it was time to find a position to set myself up in for the night. I must have looked like a deer in the headlights at that point as I was clueless about what to do next.
Before I chose my sleeping spot, I had to think about the weather, being protected from the wind, finding somewhere with not too much noise and light, and most of all choosing a place where I’d feel safe. It made me realise just how much there is to think about every day for those who are homeless.
While my focus was on staying warm while I prepared for the night knowing we would be doing this in a safe environment, for someone who is homeless they are more focused on making sure they are safe each night.
I did get a little bit of sleep, but it wasn’t the restful night I’m used to. I was quite surprised that it was the noise which ended up being the biggest challenge for me. I’m not a particularly light sleeper, but the night noises, which you don't hear when you tucked up in your bed, were an eye-opener for me. There is so much that goes on in the world in those early hours that keep you awake.
Vinnies did an incredible job putting the charity event on and the session they ran for us all was thought-provoking. It was a nice opportunity to join like-minded people to get out of my comfort zone and get a small glimpse into the challenges those experiencing homelessness face.
In the morning, I went home, grabbed a hot shower, and then came into the office. I had an important meeting first thing, which was difficult as I was tired and found it hard to concentrate. You can understand how holding down a job and keeping yourself afloat would be so hard If you’re sleeping rough every night.
The whole experience reminded me just how lucky I am.
What can we do?
Homelessness is not a new problem, but it is very much a problem that is getting worse and is often generational. There are some incredible not-for-profits, such as Vinnies, doing amazing things, but they need more funding to be able to cater to the growing needs of the homeless community. The programs these groups offer, especially those aimed at young people, are having such a high success rate and are making a real difference in preventing more people from ending up on the streets.
People don’t want to live their lives not knowing where their next meal is coming from or where they will sleep each night. We need to focus on prevention, which is something we are doing through our Vinnies partnership.
We are committed to empowering and educating our P&N Bank customers to improve their financial wellbeing and support their financial future. By partnering with Vinnies to offer services such as financial coaching and education workshops to our customers, as well as financial counselling to the wider WA community, we’re focused on stopping the cycle and doing what we can to prevent more people ending up on the streets.
On a personal level, I’ve challenged myself to take the time to stop and speak to those sleeping rough in their cars near my home when I go for my morning walk. If I can check in with them and perhaps offer to grab them a coffee, something to eat, or to get them something to help keep them warm, I can hopefully make a small but meaningful difference.
I also want to continue to broaden my understanding and educate myself on the issues leading to homelessness so I can find ways to make meaningful change both at work and in my personal life.
Learn more about the P&N Bank and Vinnies WA partnership and the free financial coaching service on offer.