Five staff members braved cold conditions in South Albury in late August with HR coordinator Sarah Penney delighted with the outcome.
“Our goal was $500 so we got a bit of traction,” Sarah said.
“We want to make it bigger and better next year.
“We are already thinking about it.
“The funds that were raised stay 100 per cent local which is fantastic.”
About 25 people from Border businesses braved with conditions with rain falling from about 2am.
“It was an eyeopener,” Sarah said.
“I definitely took for granted having a bed and mattress.
“Hearing some of the stories from people who are homeless was amazing.
“We were also well prepared for the night with sleeping bags and things like that and some people aren’t that fortunate.”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW tailored support coordinator Shantelle Lidden said SS&A’s support was outstanding.
“The support from the SS&A to help raise funds for homelessness in our community has been astronomical,” Shantelle said.
“The SS&A donated $10,000 for the 2021 Albury Vinnies Community Sleepout and over $14,000 for the 2022 Albury Vinnies Community Sleepout.
“This showcases the level of care and compassion of the Albury community to help address the complex social issue of homelessness.
“All funds raised locally will remain in the community to assist Vinnies to continue to provide care and support for those in our community who are sleeping rough or who may be experiencing disadvantage.”
There are presently 359 applicants in Albury on the social housing waitlist, with over 21 classified as priority.
In NSW, the waitlist is 50,000 representing over 110,000 people. Nationally, over 116,000 people go to bed each night without a safe place to live.
“In order to meet the current demand, we need 5000 social and affordable housing properties to be built for the next 10 years,” Shantelle said.