Damp sleeping bags, but not spirits; Lifewise’s 7th Big Sleepout raises critical funds to end homelessness

Last night, Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT) quad was home to 135 people for the night, at the seventh annual Lifewise Big Sleepout.

Business, community and political leaders received an insight into what it means to sleep rough, rewarded by donations from friends and family and raising funds to further Lifewise’s work in ending homelessness.

The main event of Lifewise’s fundraising calendar, the Big Sleepout’s goal was to raise $400,000. By breakfast, donations had reached over $313,000.

Having supported 113 people into housing in the year since the 2015 Big Sleepout, Lifewise are currently working with over 150 people in Auckland, aiming to get them into permanent housing and support them to live independently. However, they recognise that supporting this group alone won’t solve the issue.

“Homelessness is complex, and the solution requires a collaborative approach over a sustained period of time, with government, business and community all playing their part,” says Moira Lawler, Lifewise’s Chief Executive.

With homelessness rising, the demand for Lifewise’s services is growing, with an average of two new people make contact with Lifewise’s team every week.

“That’s why the funds raised through the Lifewise Big Sleepout are so critical,” says Moira. “It’s our biggest fundraising event, and without it, we couldn’t respond to the growing needs of our community. Even though we haven’t quite reached our target, we’re extremely grateful to those who supports us.”

The evening proved to be informative and thought-provoking, as participants were encouraged to think creatively and break down pre-conceived notions of what is an extremely complex issue.

“I’d love to see those involved in the Big Sleepout using their skills, knowledge and influence to get behind Lifewise’s Housing First initiative,” says Rob Smith, a former rough sleeper. “If we all collaborate, we can really make a difference and create a sustainable solution.”

Having slept rough for over a year, Rob managed to secure an apartment in Auckland Central, where he has been living since 2013. Now in a position to help others in similar situations, Rob works with Lifewise and its partner organisations on a project group to implement the Housing First model in Auckland.

Housing First is based on the belief that housing is a basic human right, has been hugely successful in the USA, Canada, across Europe and in Australia. The approach is simple; if you are sleeping rough, you need somewhere safe to live before anything else. Once you have a home, then you can make the best use of what support is available, such as health, cancelling and financial services.

Participants braved the rain and received an insight into Housing First’s Canadian founder Dr. Sam Tsemberis, the model’s Canadian founder, who delivered a video discussing the benefits of the model to New Zealand’s rough sleeping community.

“It was amazing to see people in positions of real influence make a concerted effort to fundraise and get involved last night,” Rob says. “Especially given that the weather really showed what rough sleepers can experience - they really got their money’s worth!”

Lifewise would like to acknowledge the commitment of their sponsors, including AUT, with whom they have an ongoing relationship. “Homelessness is a downward spiral of devastation,” says Sarah Trotman, Director of Business Relations at AUT’s Business School.

Sarah was on the steering group that established the Big Sleep Out in 2010, and has continued to support the project each year since, currently sitting as the second highest fundraiser. “Next time you see someone sleeping rough, give them a smile and encourage the same community spirit in your children too,” she says.

Donations to the Lifewise Big Sleepout will remain open until 5pm, Friday 15th July. By donating, you’ll be helping solve homelessness in an empowering and sustainable manner. Donate today at bigsleepout.org.nz/content/donate.

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