SIXTEEN residents braved the freezing weather on Friday to live life like a homeless person for one night.
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Byamee Proclaimed Place support worker, Tim Wheeler, said it was great to see locals support the sleep-out.
“In preparation for the Hike for Homeless, we decided to host a sleep-out where locals could see the struggle of how it feels to be homeless. About 20 people attended the night and nine adults and seven children slept the night,” he said.
There were steaks, sausages and soups to keep everyone warm, and a ‘kids corner’ to keep the children entertained.
“It is one thing to think what it would be like to be homeless, but to experience what it is like is a whole other thing and speaking from personal experience, of once being homeless, it’s a real eye opener,” Mr Wheeler said.
He said there were many local businesses who jumped onboard to sponsor the night, for which he was grateful.
“I wasn’t there when it happened, but Eagle Boys delivered a whole heap of pizzas to everyone who was at the sleep-out which brightened up the night and took minds of the cold weather,” he said.
The sleep-out was a chance for Byamee to promote the Hike for Homeless, a 690km walk from Moree, through Narrabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes and Inverell before finishing back in Moree.
“Registrations for individuals and teams need to be submitted as soon as possible. The Hike for Homeless is an event aimed at creating awareness for the issues surrounding homelessness,” Mr Wheeler said.
Byamee employee, Giselle Cartridge, said there were a number of Ebay items up for sale in support of the hike.
“We have over 15 items that will be featured on Ebay at different times. There is sporting memorabilia like a signed Australian jersey from the FIFA World Cup, a Penrith Panthers jersey and a signed Wallabies 2012 jersey,” she said.
Over a 10-day period Byamee will be selling the items in aid of the hike, and all money will go back into the Hike for Homeless.
To register for the hike or to find out more about the Ebay auction visit www.hikeforhomeless.com.au