Brooke Dean

One night isn't a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference

This year, I’m taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout… not for show, not for a badge…but because I can’t sit back and watch what’s happening in the rental market without doing something.

As someone who works closely with property investors every day, I understand the pressure they’re facing. Rising interest rates, changing legislation, increasing holding costs. It’s not easy to navigate. But this issue is not on them!!

The problem runs deeper than individual decisions.

We’re seeing more properties shift to Airbnb and other short-stay platforms. Investors are selling up because cost vs risk no longer adds up. The rental pool is shrinking. Meanwhile, wages are stagnant, cost of living is rising, and renters are left competing for fewer and fewer homes.

And while all of this is happening, those in power are failing to respond with the urgency this crisis demands.

The result? Rental affordability is at a record low. Some families are spending more than half their income on housing. Others simply can’t find a home at all.

I don’t contribute to this problem. But I refuse to ignore it.

I’m doing the CEO Sleepout to raise awareness and much needed funds to support Australians experiencing homelessness.. and to use my voice to talk about the real, structural reasons we’ve ended up here.

No one should be sleeping on the streets. Not in a country like ours.

If you agree, please support this cause. Every donation helps provide real support for people in need and sends a message that we’re paying attention and ready for change.