Mark O'Malley

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

This year again I will be participating in Vinnies Sleepout to raise awareness and funds for Vinnies, based on your generous donations last year I have been invited to also be an ambassador for WA. As part of this role I have visited some of Vinnies specialised emergency housing for the homeless.

In that week in May, in the Metro area alone, there was 1350 people sleeping rough each night. By comparison in Canada, there is zero people sleeping rough at night, and in London, also zero people sleeping rough each night.

Something new that I learnt during these visits is a term called the "working homeless". This is where individuals that have full-time employment do not have somewhere to sleep at night and are sleeping rough.

I have included some material that better explains "working homeless" here

All donations are tax deductible,

If your organisation or individually you could put aside a few minutes to make a donation, as you'll be helping more at-risk people have a safe home, I would be grateful for your generosity.

Best regards

Mark.

"The Working homeless"

It’s hard to believe that someone with full-time employment can’t find a place to live. But that’s the reality for people like Luke*.

Luke is part of a growing group called the ‘working homeless’ —people who put in long hours, earn a pay check, and still have nowhere to live. And he’s not alone. 

Housing affordability is the No.1 social issue keeping Australian business leaders up at night.

A recent KPMG survey revealed that nearly half of executives believe the lack of

meeting the challenges of housing availability and affordability is not just a national crisis, but a major risk to businesses.

It’s becoming harder for workers to find stable housing near jobs, forcing many into long commutes—or worse, homelessness.

Despite working five days a week in a bakery, Luke and his elderly father, Colin, ended up sleeping rough.

Luke and his father could never have imagined they’d be on the streets for years. But when their rental was sold, they found themselves in a tough spot. 

The cost-of-living crisis made it difficult for them to find available, affordable housing

They did everything they could to keep a roof over their heads. They stayed with a family member in a shed. They moved into a boarding house. They slept in a vacant building. Eventually, they set up camp at a local park.

It was the most difficult time of their lives. And through it all, Luke was working full-time.

Fortunately, because of supporters like you, Luke and Colin got the help they so desperately needed food, and emergency housing.

Whilst in crisis accommodation, the Vinnies's support team were able to secure them a permanent, stable home.

For the first time in a long time, Luke and Colin have hope.