Dozens of Illawarra CEOs are set to trade their briefcases for a sleeping bag and a grassy spot on Wollongong's Lang Park lawn, braving a cold winter's night in the name of charity.
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Nearly 50 businesses are expected to participate in this year's Vinnies CEO Sleepout, launched yesterday, raising much-needed funds for St Vincent De Paul.
Last year's inaugural event raised $83,000 and organisers are hoping the June 20 sleepout will bring in nearly $150,000.
St Vincent De Paul Society special works co-ordinator Michael Irvine said this year's funds would support a brokerage service, helping people move to sustainable long-term homes.
"Many people have a real issue paying a bond or rent; they come out of crisis accommodation and they're already in debt to the Department of Housing," he said.
"The broker will liaise with these people and provide them with bond money and rent so they can start debt free in an affordable home where they have more chance of staying."
Mr Irvine hoped the broker would also help address problems with overcrowding, particularly in Warrawong, as well as homelessness on the region's streets.
"I think homelessness in somewhere like Sydney is more overt, you see people living on George Street, but in Wollongong, it's much more covert," he said.
"We have people living on the beach or in bushland or lots of people living in one house so we want to get these people into their own homes and provide them with ongoing support."
Sleepout organiser Nieves Murray said many participants in last year's event had continued to support Vinnies, volunteering with the Vinnies van, which provides meals to people experiencing homelessness.
This year's CEOs are set to bid for a coveted sleeping spot, inside a tube on the Lang Park play equipment.
