The Armidale community will take part in the Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout on Friday 28 August, as communities across the state raise funds to support St Vincent de Paul Society NSW programs and services.
The sleepout will be held at the University of New England Sport at the UNE Gymnasium.
The event comes as the Society reports continued demand for assistance across the New England region. Over the past year, more than 1,100 people sought support from St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in the Armidale region. According to the organisation, more than one in four people requesting assistance did so for the first time, while one in two people seeking support were experiencing housing stress.
Funds raised through the Armidale event will support the Society NSW’s Start Fresh program, which assists people receiving treatment at Freeman House in Armidale to work towards recovery goals and reconnect with the community.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Regional Director North West Sarah Wilson said the event highlighted the challenges facing many people in the region.
“The Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout is an important opportunity to bring our community together, raise awareness of the challenges facing many people across the New England region, and support the vital work the Society NSW does every day,” Wilson said.
“A growing number of people are facing hardship which is why we encourage everyone to donate and get involved next month. We know one night outdoors can never replicate the experience of homelessness, but it provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges many people face every day and to stand in solidarity with those doing it tough.”
More than 230 people participated in the Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout across NSW last year. The organisation says the Armidale event raised more than $36,000 in 2025.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President Peter Houweling said housing stress and cost-of-living pressures continued to drive demand for support.
“We continue to see firsthand the growing impact of housing stress and hardship in communities across NSW. Our frontline services and members continue to report growing demand for support as housing insecurity and cost-of-living pressures impact more Australians.”
“Having a secure and stable place to live impacts so many aspects of a person’s life – their education, employment, health and quality of life – and is vital to shaping communities where people can belong.”
“The Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout lasts for just one night, but the funds raised help provide support, dignity and hope throughout the year for people who need it most.”
The Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout will be held in Albury, Armidale, Dubbo, Greater Sydney, Orange and the Southern Highlands on Friday 28 August.
Community members, businesses, schools and local organisations can register or make a donation at www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.
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