Across the country the ongoing impact of rising rents, difficulties in finding affordable housing and increase in everyday costs is affecting many Australians, including those living in the Snowy Monaro.

Mission Australia’s Murrumbidgee team is taking part in the charity’s inaugural Sleep In Your Car fundraiser on 24 October at The Y carpark in Cooma to raise vital funds for Mission Australia’s homelessness services, including those in Cooma. These include prevention and early intervention, crisis and transitional accommodation, outreach, case management and tailored support for young people, families and adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The local Mission Australia branch will be joining thousands across Australia taking part in Sleep In Your Car.

This new fundraising initiative comes as demand for Mission Australia’s homelessness services increased by 19 per cent over the past year, with more people than ever living without a safe, secure place to call home.

The 2021 census recorded more than 120,000 people experiencing homelessness in Australia, with many living in severely overcrowded dwellings, refuges, boarding houses, couch surfing, other insecure accommodation, on the streets or in their cars.

“Across Australia, individuals and families are feeling the ongoing impact of rising rents, the scarcity of truly affordable housing and the increasing cost of everyday essentials,” Mission Australia acting co-ordinator, Cooma Region Homelessness Support Service, Brittany Hynes, said.

“In the Snowy Monaro region, the number of people experiencing homelessness is increasing and we’re seeing more people seek support from our service as they are forced to couch surf with friends or family, stay in overcrowded housing or sleep in their car.

“The Mission Australia team in Cooma is sleeping in cars as part of the charity’s Sleep In Your Car fundraiser to bring awareness to the impact of homelessness and housing insecurity on people across our community,” Ms Hynes said.

“We know that being uncomfortable for one night can’t compare to the experience of long-term homelessness, but we hope to gain more understanding and show solidarity with the people we serve.

“We hope the community will get behind us as we join the thousands of other people across the country taking part in the Sleep In Your Car initiative.”

To register, fundraise or learn more, visit sleepinyourcar.com.au