Happy 10th Birthday
Anglicare WA School Sleep Out!
Kelly Keall, Community Engagement Manager, Anglicare WA
This year marks a significant milestone in the fight against youth homelessness as the Anglicare WA School Sleep Out celebrates its 10th anniversary. On Friday 8 August, 500 young people from 20 high schools across Western Australia will gather at Optus Stadium to sleep out, raising both awareness and much needed funds for those experiencing homelessness.
Since its inception in 2016, the School Sleep Out has become an anticipated date on many schools’ calendars and over the years, around 3000 students have participated in the School Sleep Out and raised more than $1,000,000. The event is both a fundraiser and an educational experience, offering students an opportunity to engage with the harsh realities faced by homeless young people in our community. It also showcases the work Anglicare WA is doing in this space, with students learning about the programs and services they have raised funds for.
One of the most poignant aspects of the School Sleep Out is the timing - it takes place on one of the coldest nights of the year, and through the years we have seen participants being exposed to rain, hail, and wind. Yet, year after year, students brave the elements, spending the night in solidarity with those who have no choice but to endure such conditions every day. The event isn’t just about enduring the cold - it’s about understanding the true challenges of youth homelessness and using that understanding to inspire change.
The night’s highlight is an immersive activity designed to help students experience the difficulties faced by a young person living without stable housing. For many, the activity deepens their empathy and understanding of the complexities of homelessness. As one student who attended in 2024 shared, ‘It was an eye-opening experience that I will forever remember’. With another noting that, ‘It’s a lot harder to be homeless than you think’.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event, we reflect on the success of the School Sleep Out and the remarkable compassion demonstrated by participating students. These young people are not just raising money - they are raising awareness, advocating for change, and committing to making a difference in the lives of their peers who are experiencing homelessness.
However, as we celebrate, we also acknowledge the ongoing need for action. Around 3,000 people under the age of 25 are currently homeless in Western Australia. This stark reality highlights that while we’ve made significant strides, the work is far from over. Anglicare WA remains committed to its mission of ending homelessness, working tirelessly to provide services, support, and solutions that will ensure every young person in Western Australia has a safe place to call home.
We look forward to welcoming the 2025 participants of the School Sleep Out on 8 August as they support Anglicare WA in its mission to end homelessness. For more information or to donate go to: www.anglicarewaschoolsleepout.org.au