More than 280 people spent Friday night sleeping rough on Hobart’s waterfront in near-freezing temperatures to raise funds for the city’s growing homelessness crisis.
Hobart City Mission’s annual Sleep Rough event was held at Princes Wharf 1, where participants bedded down on cardboard in the shed or on the exposed forecourt as temperatures dropped to single digits.
Now in its fifth year, Sleep Rough is Tasmania’s largest community sleep out.
Individuals and teams of friends, families, schoolmates and colleagues raised money for Hobart City Mission’s emergency relief and housing programs.
The event came as demand for homelessness support hits critical levels, with 5,408 people on the Tasmanian housing register, the highest number ever recorded.
Hobart City Mission CEO Harvey Lennon said government funding hasn’t kept pace with demand.
“We’re seeing more people than ever, from all walks of life, reaching out for help,” he said.
“Cost of living is only going up, forcing too many Tasmanians to choose between essentials like food, medication, petrol and rent.”
“Thousands without a safe, stable home are couch surfing, sleeping in tents or cars, or wherever they can find shelter – and it’s getting colder.”
Lennon said the organisation’s crisis accommodation is full every night.
“We’re a lifeline for Hobart’s most disadvantaged, no matter how complex their needs, but our crisis accommodation is full every night,” he said.
“With little certainty around funding in the upcoming state budget to maintain our existing services, let alone cope with the growing need, it’s heartening to see our community step up to fill help fill these critical gaps.”
Mariah Jardine, Hobart City Mission’s partnerships specialist and Sleep Rough coordinator, said the charity was thrilled with the response.
Fundraising is currently over $220,000 to the $300,000 target
Jardine said hitting the target would bring the event’s five-year total to more than $1 million.
Funds raised support programs for young families, single parents and older vulnerable Tasmanians, as well as emergency relief spaces, food packs and vouchers.
Donations remain open throughout May at sleeprough.com.au.
