Vinnies Queensland is once again calling on local business and community leaders to step up and sleep out at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, returning in 2022 on 23 June.

For the first time in the event’s history, the Brisbane Sleepout will be held at the Brisbane Riverstage, while the Gold Coast Sleepout will be returning to the CBUS Stadium.

Also new this year is the first official Sleepout on the Sunshine Coast, to be held at Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club – and Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart has already signed up to take the challenge and spend the night sleeping on the sand.

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer says the funds raised from this year’s Sleepout will be an important step in combatting the housing and homelessness crisis currently faced by the state.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society has been dedicated to supporting Queenslanders for more than 127 years’, but the current state-wide rental shortage has posed a whole new set of challenges,” he said.

“Quite simply, how can we keep helping people to find an affordable home when there is so little available?

“With the rental vacancy rate below one per cent across the entire state, there was one clear solution – build the homes ourselves.”

The funds raised from this years’ CEO Sleepout will go towards Vinnies’ project to build new homes across Queensland to provide families and individuals struggling with secure safe and affordable housing.

“Our volunteers Members have been working on the frontlines to support individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness during this housing crisis, but in the end what these people need most is a safe and affordable place to call home,” Mr Mercer said.

“Our annual CEO Sleepout is not just an opportunity to raise funds for much needed housing, but also to educate our business and community leaders on how they can advocate for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and ultimately move towards a solution”.

Vinnies Queensland aims to raise $1.8 million across the state through the 2022 CEO Sleepout.

Regional Queenslanders are also invited to join virtually and sleep out in the elements in support of the event.

For more information, or to register for the 2022 Sleepout, visit ceosleepout.org.au/