Inspiro CEO Sue Sestan is taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on 22 June, for the fourth year in a row, trading a night of cold discomfort for donations to help break the cycle of homelessness.
More than 122,000 people in Australia don’t have a safe and secure place to live, including an increasing number of young people and older women, and this is on the rise with current cost of living pressures.
The Yarra Ranges –the region Inspiro services- is showing strong evidence of a recent rise in homelessness and a need for greater support. We know the extreme weather events in June 2021 across the region and the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions has resulted in more people ‘sleeping rough’ in improvised dwellings, tents or outdoors. However, the majority of people facing homelessness are living in cars, on the couches of friends or family, or in overcrowded, temporary or unsuitable accommodation or caravan parks.
This need for greater support is why Sue will be sleeping outside in a concrete carpark alongside hundreds of Melbourne CEOs and business leaders.
“Homelessness is a complex issue that cannot be solved with simple solutions. While there are wonderful organisations and volunteers working to support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless – including Inspiro, we can always do more. The Vinnies CEO Sleepout does a great job of raising money for crisis accommodation, food, healthcare, counselling, education, employment, and support to find a permanent home for thousands of people across the country,” says Sue.
Homelessness is an issue Sue holds close to her heart because without secure housing, the most vulnerable people in our community have trouble accessing healthcare, medications and support for addiction. “Inspiro’s vision is an equitable health system. However, without somewhere stable and safe to live, it’s difficult for people to prioritise or access health care. As you can imagine, in this situation, the cycle of poverty, homelessness and poor health increases. As CEO, I’m determined to make a difference.”
Help Sue raise money for homelessness
Anyone can sponsor Sue’s CEO sleepout, with funds going directly towards individual support and services for the people who need them most.
“I know the funds I raise aren’t going to have a massive impact but it’s a start and if I can help a small number of individuals and raise awareness about the issue then that is surely a good thing. If you’d like to do something to help, I encourage you to donate or call on your workplace leaders to take part in Vinnies CEO Sleepout.”
All donations will go towards providing crucial support and services to Australians in need:
- Bed nights for people experiencing homelessness
- Food items through support centres
- Ongoing individual support programs
- Emergency assistance and home visits
Please reach out to us if you or someone you know needs a helping hand.
Inspiro offers low-cost health care services to people at risk of homelessness in the Yarra Ranges and No Interest Loans Scheme in partnership with Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services to low-income families.
If you or someone you know is experiencing/at risk of homelessness or financial crisis, please contact:
- Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) (03 9754-7777)
- Holy Fools (based in Montrose) (1300 133 889)
- Anchor (servicing the Yarra Ranges) (03 9760 6400 or Out of Hours: 1800 825 955)
- Eastern Community Legal Centre (1300 32 52 00)
