RAISING awareness about the severity of homelessness in Queanbeyan was the main motivation for two local CEOS to call three sheets of cardboard and a sleeping bag their bed for a night.
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Carol Sutton and Mark Cooper were among 95 CEOs to take part in the annual St Vinnie's CEO Sleepout in Canberra on on Thursday, June 18.
It was the first time Ms Sutton and Mr Cooper had participated with their main aim was to inform the community of the degree of homelessness in Queanbeyan and surrounding regions.
Ms Sutton is the chair of the strategic advisory committee of Queanbeyan Headspace and said official statistics were not an accurate reflection of how far reaching homelessness is in Queanbeyan.
"Homelessness is bigger than most people think. In Queanbeyan, they believe about three per 1000 are homeless," she said.
"However, in our experience that only touches the tip of the iceberg. It's double if not triple that number... it's on par with statistics in places like Redfern.
"There are many sleeping on couches and staying with friends.
"People may not consider that homelessness in official terms but it is also not a supportive and stable environment."
Mr Cooper expressed similar sentiments for wanting to take part in the CEO Sleepout.
Between the two of them, they raised more than $1000 which will provide meals and blankets for the homeless.
"I was really surprised to learn the ACT and Queanbeyan has the second highest number of homeless people of all Australian capital cities," Mr Cooper of CI Solutions said.
"Homelessness might not be as visible here...[but] after hearing that statistic, I really wanted to raise money and awareness."
Despite less than ideal conditions including drizzly rain throughout the night, Mr Cooper said he intends on taking part in the CEO Sleep Out again and encouraged others to sign up.
"It was uncom-fortable...the cardboard doesn't provide any form of insulation.
"I probably got about two to three hours of broken sleep," he said.
"It was apparent how difficult it is for those who are homeless to have to get up and try to function on broken sleep and do things like try to find a job."
St Vinnies CEO Sleepout celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
The money raised provides crucial assistance to people experiencing home-lessness and address the very causes of homelessness.
For more information visit www.ceosleepout.org.au.
