The Mill Valley Crew is a bunch of passionate young people who acknowledge that homelessness is a real issue in Australia and are willing to do something about it. They are people who have been involved in Mill Valley Ranch Camping Ministry at some stage in life.

Mill Valley Ranch (MVR) is a Christian Youth Camp in Tynong North, Victoria. During term they provide a campsite for schools and groups who wish to experience a 'ranch lifestyle'. In school holidays they provide a six-day outdoor Adventure Camp for anyone between the ages of 10-17.

Jordy Bowen, the leader of the Mill Valley Crew Sleepout gives us the inside tip on what they are getting up to this year.

"I decided to put together a team for the Winter Sleepout early this year. Last year my best friend Juliette put together Team Radelaide in Adelaide which was a great success! So I thought I'd give it a go and try putting together a team this year in Victoria.

Having networks through MVR was a great start for me however social media, particularly Facebook, were the biggest assets. Having a Facebook group page that has let me keep everyone updated with what's happening and a way for me to have participation forms and Frequently Asked Questionss readily available to download.

So far everything has gone relatively smoothly with my plans. The team has far exceeded all my expectations from the beginning when I had planned for a team of 20 young adults. I now have a team of 70 young people ranging from ages 13-25 joining in and it's my hope to reach 80. This comes with a lot of extra logistical issues though such as first aid, facilitators/supervisors, separate/safe sleeping areas etc. So it's been a big learning curve, but learning and adaptation are crucial in situations like this.

On the night we will be playing games that will hopefully inspire thoughts about homelessness. We will be sharing in a soup kitchen style meal together and listening to a couple of guest speakers, one of whom has experienced homelessness themselves, and then the most important part which will be the small group discussions.

It's been important to me to surround myself with a team of people who share the same passion that I do. Passion and pro-activity are infectious. I hope that all the team members have caught the heart of what we're trying to achieve. It's important to encourage the team, really congratulate them on all they have achieved.

In taking part in the Winter Sleepout I've learned that when it comes to homelessness, something CAN be done. We can learn all the facts and figures, but without action, they're pointless. Maybe if we speak out enough, we will be able to put a dent in the massive issue that is homelessness.

I chose to support Mission Australia as I've always been very aware of the services they provide and I've known people who worked for them previously. I think they are really bang on with their approach in the way they address important issues in Australia.

The advice I'd give to others thinking about doing Winter Sleepout, although very clichéd is 'Just Do It' and surround yourself with a team that is going to support you. If you are passionate enough, and communicate your passion well then you will be successful in anything. It really is easy these days to fundraise so it leaves no excuse to just get out there and start fundraising!"