On 1 November, my team and I are going to be building a carboard shelter and experiencing sleeping rough for a night to raise money and awareness for youth homelessness in Australia.

Did you know that 38% of all Australians experiencing homelessness are under the age of 25? That’s over 43,000 children and young people, all unable to live at home. The leading causes of youth homelessness are housing crisis, family violence, family separation and breakdown. Many kids resort to couch-surfing or living temporarily with other households and some are even are forced to live rough on the streets.

An amazing local organisation, Stepping Stone House (SSH), houses 13 children and young people and supports a further 37 youth in their aftercare program.  Of these 50 youth, only 4 are funded by the Family and Community Services and so they rely heavily on charitable donations and fundraising throughout the year. The money raised at this event is so important to SSH, every dollar raised at Sleep Under the Stars will help support and care for youth who are unable to live with their families.

I mentor at Stepping Stone House and see first hand the difference they make to the kids’ lives. The guy that I have been mentoring came to Australia as a refugee, alone and unable to speak English. He struggled with anger problems, communication and staying in school. With SSH’s care and guidance they helped undo the some of the impact the traumas have had on his life and helped him to grow into a responsible and independent young man who wants to give something back to the community. He recently completed a TAFE course in disability care and just last week left Stepping Stone House, moving interstate to start his dream job working in the disability sector. Such an amazing outcome.

Every young person deserves to be given the same chance to build their own life in a safe and secure environment which is why I’m participating in the 2019 Sleep Under the Stars event. The goal is to help raise $800,000 to accommodate and care for 21 at-risk youth for an entire year, giving them a greater chance to succeed in life.

Last year my team raised almost $8,400! Last year was great, but this time we want to go even better! I would love for you to join us by registering and fundraising yourself, or if you cannot join us then please dig deep and make a donation. Your support can make a real impact on someone’s life.