Toowoomba Homeless for a Night sleep-out raises $109k for Base Services

More than 130 people made their way through the Toowoomba CBD on Monday night for the Base Services’ Homeless for a Night campaign. Check out the pics here.

Nat Spary addresses the participants at the Base Services' 2021 Homeless for a Night sleepout. Picture by Andrew Millist

Toowoomba families, business owners and even young people got a taste of what it was like living on the streets for a night, while raising valuable funding to support the city’s homeless population.

More than 130 people made their way through the Toowoomba CBD on Monday night for the Base Services’ Homeless for a Night campaign, which was postponed due to last month’s Covid-19 lockdowns.

Their efforts helped raise more than $109,000 for Base Services, with more expected to ensure the organisation can keep its soup kitchen running for another 12 months.

SLEEPOUT SUCCESS: Taking part in the Toowoomba Homeless for a Night sleepout are (from left) Suzy Wenitong, Heather Roberts and Jacqui Armstrong.

Co-ordinator Nat Spary said participants, many of which were taking part for the first time, were given an insight into the ways in which people become homeless.

“The highlight of the evening was people learning how all the organisations work together,” he said.

“Typically it takes about three or four organisations to help one person.

“A lot of people actually said that it was an event where their eyes got opened, and it shows why people can become homeless.

“Everyone has a different story and they can have difficult circumstances.”

Participants walk through the Toowoomba CBD as part of the Base Services' 2021 Homeless for a Night sleepout.

Mr Spary said the event was particularly visible this year due to where participants had to sleep.

“We actually slept in the main street — before, we’ve always slept in a car park,” he said.

“We’ve really made it visible this time.”

Co-ordinator Tiff Spary said she was impressed how many young people were involved.

To donate to the campaign, head online to homelessforaweek.com.au.

Participants (from left) Suzy Wenitong, Jacqui Armstrong, Matthew Drury, Nat Spary, Mark Rawlings, and Georgia Hanrahan at the Base Services' 2021 Homeless for a Night sleepout.