The St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn and Communities@Work are holding their third annual Canberra Community Sleepout on 16 October 2015 to raise awareness of homelessness and its causes, as well as to raise funds to support homelessness services. Last year, over 700 Canberrans attended the Canberra Community Sleepout and participants raised over $100,000 for homelessness services. This year we are aiming for 1,000 participants, which will make a huge impact on increasing awareness and vital funds to help us combat homelessness. This is a unique opportunity to be a big part of this premiere event on Canberra's calendar. Please get in touch if you'd like a copy of the full proposal. Warm regards, Chris Barry General Manager, External Relations Communities@Work M: 0402 144 136 E: chris.barry@commsatwork.org W: sleepout.org.au

1. Wake Up To a Better Canberra

2. What is the Canberra
Community Sleepout?
Thank you for considering joining the Canberra Community Sleepout,
Canberra’s only family-friendly sleep out event. On October 16,
we aim to have 1,000 Canberrans sleeping out.
If you choose to support the Sleepout, you will be raising vital funds and
awareness of the heartbreaking situation faced by many Canberrans
living without secure housing.
All funds raised will support homelessness services provided by
Communities@Work and St Vincent de Paul in the region.

3. About the Sleepout
On the Night
There will be live music,
activities, presentations,
children's games and
much more.

4. Key Dates
July-October
Registration, Team Fundraising
and Sleepout Promotion
16 October
Canberra Community Sleepout

5. Homelessness in Canberra
Canberra has the 2nd highest
homelessness rate in Australia. Every night,
nearly 2,000 Canberrans are homeless.
There are many causes, including:
• family and domestic violence
• a shortage of affordable housing
• unemployment
• mental illness
• family breakdown

6. Homelessness in Canberra
Those experiencing homelessness sleep
in many different places:
• Improvised dwellings such as cars, tents
or sleeping rough
• Temporary accommodation such as couch surfing
• Overcrowded dwellings, unsafe or dilapidated
accommodation

7. What are we achieving?
By curling up in our sleeping bags for one night, we are
creating greater awareness of homelessness and raising
funds for two key purposes:
1. To assist with intervention programs for those in our
community who are at risk of being homeless; and
2. To support those who are currently experiencing
homelessness in our community.
We aim to break the cycle of homelessness
and create better futures.

8. Where does the money go?
Homelessness services provided by
Communities@Work and St. Vincent de Paul
• Accommodation and outreach targeted
at those most at risk, including families who are
homeless or at-risk of homelessness, people with
a mental illness and young people
• Refuges for women and children
escaping domestic violence
• Food rescue, meals, cooking lessons
& nutritional support
• Provision of essentials including
hygiene items
• Family services
• Mental health services
• Life skills courses & training
• Education and training programs for at-risk
and homeless young people
• Affordable energy efficiency program for
low-income households
• Budgeting assistance
• Recreational & social activities
• Emotional support
• Clothing for job interviews, work experience
for important events
• Mentoring

9. How you can be a part?
We aim to have 1,000 Canberrans sleeping out at the Canberra
Community Sleepout. Here’s 6 simple ways
you can help us make this a reality.
1. Join the sleepout at sleepout.org.au
2. Financially support the Sleepout
(see Corporate Partnership Proposal)
3. Provide in-kind, financial or advocacy support
4. Promote via your email, social media and other channels
5. Host a fundraiser, with all funds raised going to the
Sleepout and supporting homelessness
6. Challenge your friends (and industry) in a friendly competition
to see who can raise the most money for homelessness

10. Benefits of Supporting
Our Promise To You
As a Corporate Partner of the Canberra Community Sleepout,
we are committed to promoting your status and providing
recognition of your support.
Partnering with the Canberra Community Sleepout offers many
benefits. It is a unique and engaging way for your organisation to demonstrate your
corporate social responsibility, while also
providing the opportunity for meaningful engagement with
the broader Canberra community.
See Corporate Partnership Proposal for more information

11. Your Sleepout Contact
Chris Barry
General Manager, External Relations,
Communities@Work
E: chris.barry@commsatwork.org
M: 0402 144 136