Here in the ACT, the number of Canberrans experiencing homelessness is above 1,700 and continuing to rise. Homelessness doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone - women, men and children. It has devastating consequences for individuals and families.

2025 marks 20 years that the CEO Sleepout has been running. This year I am aiming to raise $5,000 to help St Vincent de Paul support people experiencing homelessness. In the past ten CEO Sleepouts thanks to donor support we have raised $42,839.

Every donation will help Vinnies empower more people to get off the streets and into stable accommodation, by providing:

• emergency food and accommodation
• education, counselling, and employment services
• health and social support to address the root causes of homelessness, and
• long-term housing solutions to help people to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty.

I am proud to be part of a government who is working to tackle the issues around homelessness, including billions of dollars for social housing and homelessness.

In March this year Minister Clare O’Neil announced the Government is progressing two significant policies to support more Australians in severe housing distress, with a strong focus on women and children leaving family and domestic violence and young people at risk of homelessness.

Investments include:

• the $1 billion National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) Crisis and Transitional Housing program for Australians experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• $6.2 million in grants to support leading homelessness peak bodies to strengthen their advocacy, help coordinate the sector and support them to provide valuable policy advice.

We have a lot more work to do on housing, but this builds on the Government’s first term of serious commitment and delivery in tackling the housing crisis.

We all know how long and cold Canberra winters are. I recognise that for participants it is only one night, but for the thousands who live this life it is there reality every day and night. This is a reality that I will continue to work to change.

Visit here to contribute: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/david-smith