Homepage Stepping Stone House newsroom

Help LGBTQIA+ youth shine bright at Stepping Stone House’s annual ‘Sleep Under the Stars’

Announcement posted by Stepping Stone House 26 Sep 2016

Monday 26th September, 2016, Sydney, Australia. Sydney’s transformational organisation for youth at risk, Stepping Stone House, today announces their upcoming ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ – an annual fundraiser to support youth at risk – including LGBTQIA+ youth – and raise awareness for youth homelessness in Sydney.

Many young homeless people identify as LGBTQIA+ and have been forced to leave home due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. With a distinct shortage of crisis support and accommodation for LGBTQIA+ youth in Sydney, SSH aims to nurture and support this vulnerable group of young people in the long-term.

So sign up and come along on Friday 7th October. Join the SSH family for an overnight sleep out at Hickson Reserve, underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the harbour and experience first-hand one night on the streets, raising awareness for SSH and Australia’s homeless and LGBTQIA+ youth.  

“More than 40% of our homeless people in Australia are under 25,” said Jason Juretic, CEO of SSH.  

“Our Sleep Under the Stars is a fantastic way to empathise with what it’s like to have nowhere to go and no-one to turn to; a situation that many of our young people find themselves in before they come to us.” 

Last year’s event raised $54,000, helping SSH to provide care and education for at least four extra teenagers for a whole year. Just one night of support can help SSH to skyrocket youth at risk into a brighter future, through a unique combination of mentorship, adventure education, learning and development programs, and community volunteering.
 
“An amazing 87% of our youth complete Year 12, compared to teens in similar circumstances. Fundraisers like the sleep out make all difference in ensuring that our young people have a secure and sustainable path in life,” said Mr Juretic.
 
To get involved in ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ or donate to the cause, visit: www.steppingstonehouse.com.au/events/sleep_under_the_stars_2016/
 
For volunteering opportunities or further information, go to  www.steppingstonehouse.com.au or email info@steppingstonehouse.com.au.
 
About Stepping Stone House (www.steppingstonehouse.com.au): For more than 25 years, Stepping Stone House has paved the way for vulnerable youth aged 12 - 24 to develop and grow into self-sufficient and independent adults, starting with a safe and secure home environment. Through their unique ‘Stepping Stones to Success’ model, the non-profit aims to transform the lives of vulnerable youth; many of whom have been homeless and are unable to live with their families. Stepping Stone House is a nurturing ‘home away from home’, where young people stay for years as part of a dedicated family.