AS Newcastle business owners and community leaders prepared to spend the night out doors, they did so knowing the money raised was going to a good cause.
This year'sVinnies CEO Sleepout comes at time of increasing demand for support, with more people across NSW facing housing stress driven by rising rents, increasing living costs and unexpected life events.
The recent 2026 NSW Statewide Street Count recorded 2308 people sleeping rough, including a 54 per cent increase across the Hunter and Central Coast between 2025 and 2026 (an additional 116 people).
Over the past year, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has supported 23 per cent more people experiencing homelessness, with more people seeking assistance and presenting with increasingly complex needs.
Calls to the Society NSW's helpline have also surged, almost doubling compared to the same time last year, as more people reach out for help before a temporary crisis becomes long-term homelessness.
Funds raised at the sleepout will remain in the community to enable services such as the Matthew Talbot Homelessness Service, which provides accommodation, case management and individual support to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
In NSW, the event is aiming to raise almost $3 million, with more than 300 business leaders expected to take part, including 18 at the Newcastle event which took place for the first time on Thursday (June 18) at Fort Scratchley on Nobbys Road at Newcastle East.
Among those participating was James Britton, who runs a carpentry business in Newcastle. He decided to take part on the event after experiencing homelessness first hand.
In May last year, Mr Britton's home in Dora Creek burnt down, leaving him and his 13-year-old son without a place to live. Despite now living in a caravan, he has decided to do something to help others.
Donations can be made at ceosleepout.org.au
