St Vincent de Paul is taking the old saying about walking in another person's shoes a step further this Friday night, with locals getting a first-hand taste of “sleeping rough”, as part of Vinnies' annual Community Sleepout.

Highlighting homelessness in Dubbo, the event draws attention to the growing number of people experiencing and at risk of literally having nowhere to lay their head each night in the region.

For instance, more than 1200 people sought assistance from Vinnies in Dubbo over the past year, including 163 who were known to be homeless or in temporary accommodation.

Locals are encouraged to take part in the Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout on Friday, August 28, at Dubbo Turf Club to learn about the increasing need for support and how the Vinnies NSW is helping the homeless through its network of programs and services.

Funds raised from the event will support the Society’s work in Dubbo and neighbouring communities, providing financial and material assistance through local conference members, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Regional Director – North West, Sarah Wilson, said.

“Homelessness isn’t confined to metropolitan areas,” Sarah emphasised.

“Close to half of the people our members supported locally are facing housing stress and struggling to keep a roof over their head,” she added.

The tough times, she revealed, are forcing an increasing range of people into irregular or non-existent accommodation choices.

“We’re seeing a growing number of people sleeping rough and even more sleeping in cars, relying on friends, and unsure of whether they will have a long-term tenure,” Sarah explained.

“One of the big challenges with housing stress is that people are having to cut back on other parts of their budget such as food or utilities, and their quality of life suffers as a result.”

The 2021 Census, conducted during the pandemic, found that more than 122,000 people were homeless nationally, including 35,000 in NSW. The most recent Census held last week will soon shed further light on this situation.

“Every day our members and services are meeting with people who don’t have a safe and secure place to call home,” Vinnies NSW State President Peter Houweling said.

“It could be a rent increase, an eviction notice or having to leave for safety; there are so many factors that contribute to homelessness, yet sadly we often don’t have enough services and housing to provide people with the support they need,” he added.

Overcoming the problem, he said, is firstly about seeking to do something about it.

“Homelessness is solvable, given the will to act,” Mr Houweling said.

“I urge people to come along to the Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout to see how they can play a part in addressing the issue," he concluded.

Community members, businesses, schools and local organisations are all encouraged to take part or make a donation. To register or support a participant, go to: www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout