The Vinnies CEO Sleepout returns to Aurora Stadium on June 23, with the corporate community ready to rough it to raise funds and awareness for homelessness and poverty.

The reality of homelessness is unfortunately never too far away from our doorsteps in Launceston and Vinnies are working at ground level to help turn people’s lives around. 

According to the 2012 census 1,579 Tasmanians are homeless, either sleeping rough, couch surfing or in supported accommodation for the homeless. 

Anthony, who didn’t want to be named, has been moving from pillar to post all his life, sleeping on the streets, couchsurfing and camping. 

Now aged 57 he has a roof over his head and somewhere to call home thanks to Vinnies. 

While growing up Anthony was constantly moved between relatives because of his mother's illness, this resulted in his education suffering and as a result he dropped out of school aged 14. 

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Anthony kept moving around because it’s all he knew, moving from job to job before settling down to get married. 

While married Anthony finally had a roof over his head but age 53 the marriage broke down and Anthony became homeless for four years. 

“It wasn’t any good being homeless, I was couch surfing and going from pillar to post.

“ I would go camping at the weekends just to give my mates some space, but that got very cold during winter,” Anthony said.

With deteriorating health  securing accommodation became a top priority and it was through agencies like Vinnies that advocated on his behalf that made Anthony’s  dream of having a permanent  roof over his head a reality. 

“ I feel like the happiest man alive to have a home,” said Anthony. 

Two local Vinnies volunteers have regular contact with Anthony and not only helped him set his home up but are a continuing source of support. 

Vinnies CEO sleepout not only raises funds that go directly to helping people like Anthony, but they help to raise awareness too, with this years event focusing on preventative measures.