It’s a heartbreaking reality that Victoria has the highest rate of youth homelessness in Australia. On any given night, a staggering 7,600 young Victorians aged 12 to 24 find themselves without a safe place to call home. Many resort to couch surfing, sleeping in cars, or cramming into overcrowded and unsafe accommodations. This crisis affects our community’s future, and it’s time to again support ‘Sleep at the G’.
- 4 in 5 young people grew up experiencing family violence. Of those young people, 54% were known to child protection.
- Youth homelessness is not a choice. Youth homelessness is a result of disadvantage leading to a crisis – like family violence, abuse, and mental health.
- 2 in 3 young people had been experiencing homelessness for at least 2 years with couch surfing the most common form of homelessness experienced by young people.
- 45% attended an emergency department for mental health concerns with a staggering 64% of those young people discharged from hospital into homelessness.
- 55% of all young people recorded had reported self-harm, suicidal ideation or attempts to take their own life.
As we gear up for the Melbourne City Mission’s Sleep at the G event, we invite you to be part of the solution. On Thursday, May 15, come join us at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a night of awareness, fun, and solidarity. This unique experience will not only raise vital funds for youth homelessness programs but also foster a sense of community and support for those in need.
The evening will be hosted by the energetic Briohny Dawson, who will lead two hours of engaging activities designed to entertain and inspire. Together, we’ll create a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the importance of helping our youth while having a fantastic time. Don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag and pillow, as we’ll be spending the night right in the heart of Melbourne’s sporting culture!
Your participation in Sleep at the G is more than just an overnight stay; it’s a powerful statement against youth homelessness. By joining us, you’ll be raising awareness and funds that directly support programs aimed at providing safe housing, essential resources, and life-changing opportunities for vulnerable young people.
Let’s stand together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your involvement can spark hope and create pathways to a brighter future for young Victorians facing homelessness.
Let’s make some noise for change. Join us at Sleep at the G and help us turn the tide on youth homelessness in Victoria. Together, we can ensure that every young person has a safe place to call home.
If you would like to do more and be a part of the fundraising there are more ways to get involved!
FUNDRAISE FOR SLEEP AT THE G
– join the Little Train team, make a donation and sleep at the G with us, here’s our team page
– gather your crew together, create your team and come and sleep at the G with us! Start your team here
– make a donation and share this with your community, you can donate here
For more information and to support ‘Sleep at the G’ please visit https://www.sleepattheg.com.au
