A glimpse of reality

I was recently out with some friends for a day at the footy. Afterwards, we went out for a few drinks in the city. While walking between pubs on a pretty cold, windy night, we walked past a group of half a dozen homeless people settling down for the night together in a gap between a couple of buildings. It raised discussion between a couple of us about homelessness, and I was pretty shocked by the attitude of one person in particular I was with.

There were some pretty strong opinions on why homeless people are homeless, and what they deserve from people. As the discussion went on, I got frustrated to the point where I decided that I was going to say goodnight to them when they left to go home, and I was going to find somewhere on the streets to sleep for the night.

I wanted to get a glimpse of what homelessness means. How it feels. I figured if I was so easily and strongly stirred by these discussions, I needed to know more about it. I found a small alcove down an alleyway to curl up for what was a very uncomfortable, cold and lonely night. The next day I heard an ad for Winter Sleepout, I jumped on the website and registered straight away.

Getting started

I have started to post into the blog on the donation site. I am also using Facebook to share what I write, and hopefully inspire people to dig deep and donate. I have been letting everyone in my social circles know about the event as well to get some input from them as to how I could spend the time.

I really want the day/night to benefit not only through donations to Mission Australia but also by challenging people's thoughts and understanding of homelessness. Hopefully enough to stay involved in the cause long after Winter Sleepout. I have also been doing a lot of research online into homeless services, and homelessness in general to see how I can incorporate them into the sleepout experience. I have also lined up a video camera from a friend.

It's my party and I'll sleep out if I want to

On the night, we will set challenges such as: everyone finding basic necessities; a place a homeless person might be able to shower; get something to eat/drink; a place to wash clothes and of course sleep.

When we meet back after a few hours we will talk about how hard or easy the services were to find and their standards. I also hope to be able to volunteer at a soup kitchen for a few hours throughout the night. Before we bed down for the night I want us to all share our experiences of the day and see if our views have been impacted at all, and what we may have learnt.

On the second night, Sunday 14 August, I plan to go it alone. With nothing but the bare essentials, no phone/cash/keycards I will spend the night as a homeless person might. The Monday is my birthday, so I am giving up waking up on that day at home to give up as much as possible for the experience.

Documenting the experience

I am planning to make a video diary of the event,filming the day's events and the discussions between us all. I hope to make a mini movie about the weekend afterwards to share with our families and friends through sites like Facebook. I am hoping it can reflect us having a good time, as well as being challenged. Hopefully it can be used to inspire other people to get involved with the sleepout in future! I will definitely be posting to the Facebook site on the Saturday as well!!!

I want to use this experience to learn more about homelessness, I know it's a terrible problem for a lot of Aussies, with many, wide ranging causes. I chose Mission Australia because they are involved in so many worthwhile causes. They have had a positive impact on countless lives, and they deserve all the support they can get!

My advice to those considering sleeping out is to be open minded and to challenge yourself. Give it everything you've got!