CEO Sleepout 2021 will raise awareness about Tasmania's continuing homeless issue

The annual event raises valuable funds for the ongoing and widespread issue of homelessness in Tasmania and across the country.

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According to a 2019 report by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Tasmania had a 20 per cent increase in homelessness between 2001 and 2016.

That report noted increases in Launceston and a 54 per cent rise in the Hobart homeless population.

RACT Group chief executive and Tasmanian CEO Sleepout Ambassador Mark Mugnaioni said the event was a valuable part of the fight to end homelessness.

"Homelessness is an ever-present challenge for many Tasmanians, and it's important we all focus on ways to support those either experiencing it directly, or at risk of experiencing it," he said.

"From participating in the CEO Sleepout last year, I learned that just one night sleeping rough is extremely tough, and it's heartbreaking to know that this is the norm for those who have to experience it every night of the year."

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Only 7 per cent of people are considered as sleeping rough, with 93 per cent known as the "unseen homeless" by sleeping in tents and the houses of friends and family.

"The CEO Sleepout is about drawing attention to the issue so that we can encourage service providers, governments, and the broader community to work together to address homelessness and help the 93 per cent from becoming part of the 7 per cent," St Vincent De Paul Society acting chief executive Bernadette Ulbrich-Hooper said.

"These vulnerable people - some of whom are women with young children - are couch surfing, sleeping in cars and tents, living in overcrowded dwellings, or seeking refuge in temporary accommodation in motels or caravan parks."

Mr Mugnaioni said due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sleepout was more important than ever.

"With so many people being impacted by the pandemic over the past 12 months initiatives such as the CEO Sleepout and organisations such as Vinnies are more important than ever," he said.

The event will be held at UTAS Stadium in Launceston on June 17. Donations can be made online at ceosleepout.org.au/.

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