Tasmanian SleepOut shines spotlight on lived experience of homelessness

Danita Bond, Lillian Reeve, Anita Reeve and Roderick Brown from The Salvation Army at the Launceston Salvos SleepOut. Image: Amelia Natoli

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE

The Salvation Army in Tasmania has commenced its yearly Salvos SleepOut, with events being held in Launceston and Hobart this month.

This year marks 15 years of the program in Tasmania. The goal is to raise $150,000 to continue The Salvation Army’s Street to Home program, which offers targeted support to those sleeping rough in Hobart and Launceston.

Tasmanian Divisional Commander Major Tracy Briggs said that with the rising cost of living and widespread lack of affordable housing, the success of the Salvos SleepOut was more important than ever before. Between 2016 and 2021, Census data showed there was a 45 per cent increase in the number of Tasmanians experiencing homelessness.

Tasmanian Divisional Commander Major Tracy Briggs and Amelia Natoli at the Launceston SleepOut.

Tracy said participants at the events would hear firsthand from people who have experienced homelessness and Salvos frontline workers.

“The annual Salvos SleepOut is an important opportunity to highlight the issue of homelessness in Tasmania and increase awareness of the Street to Home program,” Tracy said. “Taking part in the event not only helps raise crucial funds but also helps individuals, businesses, and government, increase their understanding of the issue.

“The event helps reduce some of the stigma that can surround homelessness and supports the Street to Home program to be able to provide immediate practical support for people sleeping rough.”

SleepOut participants braved freezing conditions in swags, sleeping bags and other temporary bedding.

Launceston participants slept in zero-degree weather last Thursday 1 August, on cardboard, sleeping mats and other makeshift bedding to raise funds and awareness for the Street to Home social program. The Hobart event will be held later this month at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on 29 August.

Tracy said no one should be without a safe, secure, affordable place to call home.

“It’s not a comfortable or warm evening, but by taking themselves out of their comfort zone for one night, participants in the Salvos Sleep Out are able to help make a lasting difference for Tasmanians currently sleeping rough.

“We are only spending one night in these conditions, but for too many Tasmanians, this is a daily reality.”

Salvation Army General Manager for Homelessness Jed Donoghue said the SleepOut was very important as it raised both public awareness of homelessness and funds to support outreach workers and had the capacity to change community attitudes toward people forced into homelessness.

The Wilson Security team, who raised over $5000 towards the work of the Street to Home program.

“The Salvation Army provides material, emotional and spiritual assistance to people experiencing homelessness,” Jed said. “In practical terms, TSA is a major provider of accommodation, financial assistance and support in Australia.

“We continually strive to improve our services and achieve quality outcomes with the people we work for who are homeless.”