More like a ‘movement’ – Brisbane Salvos Sleepout
- simoneworthing
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
BY SIMONE WORTHING
“Homelessness is very lonely, and sometimes you just need a hug.”
“Homelessness does not discriminate and is a living reminder of the systematic and societal inequalities humans face on a daily basis.”
“You are never alone. You are important and you deserve a loving home to call yours.”
These quotes are just a few of the notes handwritten and displayed by participants of the Salvos Sleepout at the Brisbane Showgrounds on 12 September.
A total of 96 people took part in the sleepout, now in its fifth year, raising awareness and a record $70,634 for women experiencing homelessness in the local community.
Sleepout participants heard a powerful testimony from Marley, a woman with lived experience of homelessness and domestic violence who shared part of her journey, including her referral to The Salvation Army’s Brisbane City Women’s Homelessness Services, the freedom from fear and “dream” life she now enjoys, and her work in advocacy and helping others impacted by homelessness.
Giang Nguyen, Team Leader, Brisbane City Women’s Homelessness Service, also spoke at the sleepout, thanking Marnie, her staff joining the event, sponsors and participants; and explaining the work of the service and how the funds raised will assist that ever-increasing work.
“This event is such an amazing thing for the work that we do,” Giang said.
“It’s not just the money raised. The money raised though, helps stretch our work so far. It helps people in their unique situations; it lets us be flexible and really walk alongside people with the exact challenges that they're experiencing.
“This is a really amazing thing because, like we’ve been saying, people’s experiences of homelessness are unique and really different, so to be able to use that money for lots of different needs is very important.”
The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) food truck provided “legendary burgers” for all, and there were limitless hot drinks from the Streetlevel Mission coffee van to help keep people warm and caffeinated.
Teams of volunteers set up the showground area for the event, and others assisted on and through the night. These included representatives from The Salvation Army Homelessness, Fundraising and External Communications teams.
Sixteen team members from TechnologyOne, long-term partners of The Salvation Army, participated in the sleepout and raised money for the event as well. One volunteer, Holly, said it was a privilege to help support such an amazing cause.
“It’s absolutely wonderful that we can raise funds for, but also awareness, of the issue of women’s homelessness,” she said.
Simon Gregory, National Manager - Community Fundraising, shared that this year’s sleepout was a record-breaking year in both number of participants and money raised.
“We hope this continues to grow,” he said. “We have created a community of people who really care about the issue, and want to make a difference for women living in homeless situations.
“It’s been great to see some corps here; the SAES, Streetlevel and Salvos Stores have joined in, and it’s just great that we can partner with other Salvos departments and teams.”
Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the sleepout.
