On any night of the year, 638 people are estimated to be sleeping rough in Sydney’s Inner City, and Raine & Horne Newtown is doing its bit to fight this spreading problem by raising $22,000 for community awareness event.
On 6 August, 22 of the team from the Inner West real estate firm will be sleeping rough on the streets of Newtown as part of the Newtopian Sleepout, an initiative of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, which supports homeless people.
Raine & Horne Newtown Director Michael Harris has also just completed training with Newtown Neighbourhood Centre as an Outreacher, which allows him to assist people with regards to their housing options, where to get meals, and where to find supports services.
Fellow Director Gerard Hill said the number of vulnerable people throughout the inner west grows year by year, with many not knowing what their housing options could be.
“What we find very troubling is that homelessness is getting worse and worse, especially in our region with domestic and family violence, the housing crisis and financial difficulties significant causes of this growing scourge,” he said.
One of the most alarming statistics is the fastest group to become homeless are women over the age of 55, which has risen 31 per cent since 2011.
Mr Hill said that by joining the Newtopian Sleepout, Raine & Horne Newtown aimed to raise awareness about this issue and funds for the Newtown Neighborhood Centre, which provides access to housing and a range of other support services through its One Stop Shop and Information and Referral Service.
“Our team is delighted to be able to support Newtown Neighbourhood Centre which brings about social change for the homeless, or people at risk of being homeless, and shines a spotlight on the increasing need for affordable housing,” he said.
“We will be sleeping on cardboard for a night outside the Hub, near the Newtown railway station, to gain perspective and a more in-depth insight and appreciation for what would be a typical night for homeless members of our community.”
