Winter sleepout

Last night I took part in the Shire of Yarra Range's Winter Sleepout - in aid of Anchor Community Care. For me, however, there was no sleep!!!

The night kicked off with a quiz about homelessness issues. The young people had to respond as to whether they agreed, disagreed or were unsure about a number of statements. How would you respond to the following:

• Young people living in lead tenant housing have more freedoms then at home
• It is cheaper to live in a caravan then rent a house
• Young people who are homeless get lots of money from the government

In reality, people living in lead tenant housing have less freedoms then living at home - they have a curfew every night, they need special permission to stay over at a friends, they cannot have friends stay at their place.

A one bedroom house costs around $230 per week to rent. A caravan can cost $270 per week in a caravan park.

Anchor's research shows that after the purchase of essential items, homeless young people are usually need to spend $30 over what their government allowance gives them - they are constantly behind.

Youth homelessness is an issue in the Shire. This night did a great job to raise the awareness of the young people of the issues surrounding homelessness. A short video clip of a young person from the local community was shown - a very powerful and real story, with images that relate to the young people in the area.

Oh - as well we had sumo suits, bungee run, food (including me taking my coffee machine for 1, 3 & 5 am caffeine shots!), and some movies. We watched August Rush and The Pursuit of Happiness. Man - these are great movies - esp TPoH - when you have a night about homelessness. Very moving movie.

Anyway...I have had far too little sleep, but I need to do something this arvo so that I can sleep tonight! Make a difference to a young person experiencing homelessness - donate money to Anchor or the Salvos to care for people.