Andrew Poole

One night. Five years. A problem that's only getting harder to ignore.

When I first did the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, homelessness felt like something most Melburnians could almost look past. It was there, but it wasn't everywhere.

That's changed. Walk through the CBD today. Drive through the suburbs. The signs are harder to miss, and the numbers behind them are harder to stomach. More Australians are sleeping rough, couch surfing, or one crisis away from losing a roof over their heads.

This is my fifth year taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Melbourne, and I keep coming back because the problem keeps growing. Together, we've raised over $21,000 across those five years, and every dollar has gone toward St Vincent de Paul Society's work supporting Australians doing it tough.

St Vincent de Paul Society has been showing up for people in crisis for over 160 years. In Victoria alone, Vinnies provides emergency relief, transitional housing, mental health support, and pathways out of homelessness for thousands of people each year. They don't just put a roof over someone's head for a night. They walk alongside people, often for months, helping rebuild stability and dignity from the ground up.

One night outside is uncomfortable. For too many people, it's just Tuesday.

I'm aiming to raise $5,000 this year. If you can contribute, even $50 or $100 makes a real difference to people who need it most. I'd love your support.