We Have The Power: MCM launched Sleep At The 'G 2024 to address youth homelessness

Now in its 11th year, the highly anticipated MCM Sleep At The 'G event, launched at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 29 February, is set to take place on Thursday, 16 May.

A key highlight on the Victorian events calendar, this unique blend of fun and fundraising promises an unforgettable experience for all participants. Popular MC and entertainer, Geraldine Quinn, graced the launch alongside Melbourne Football Club players Sarah Lampard and Tahlia Gillard.

Victorians are invited to embrace the power of community by registering online to sleep at the MCG, enjoying a full program of activities, entertainment and community connections. Participants – known as sleepers – will gain insights into the challenges facing young people experiencing homelessness in Victoria, hearing their stories firsthand. The event strikes a balance between awareness and enjoyment, including an outstanding lineup of live music, games, DJ, fashion parade, and exciting prizes. The night will also offer a variety of well-being activities for participants to enjoy, ensuring there's something for everyone. Sleepers will witness the community unite in a shared desire to drive positive impact encapsulated only through the spirit that is Sleep At The ‘G. It’s an experience not to be missed.

Sean Spencer, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MCM, expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “It’s a fun night for a serious issue. We’re proud to build on the previous success of this event again in 2024, raising awareness and embracing the power of community. I urge all Victorians to come together to be part of this memorable experience.”

Renae Johnston, MCM’s Philanthropy, Partnerships & Branding General Manager, emphasised the impact of funds raised, noting, “Funds raised from Sleep At The ‘G in 2024 will enable critical services to be provided to young people who have experienced significant trauma and homelessness. Homelessness is never a choice, but unfortunately a reality for too many young people in Victoria.”

In 2023, the collective efforts of the community and corporate sector raised an incredible $780,000, contributing to the construction of accommodation for Victoria’s homeless youth.

This year, the goal is to kick the ball out of the park and raise more than $1 million!

Event details

• The event will be held at the MCG on Thursday 16 May 2024
• Cost $75 Adult, $25 for 15-17 years
• The ticket price includes entry, activities, entertainment, refreshments, prizes and lots more
• Sleep At The ’G 2024 permits sleepers aged 15-17 years into the event with supervision from an adult parent or guardian at all times
• Register now, or sign up your team via the website: www.SleepAtTheG.com.au
• Round up your workmates, friends, and family to be part of Sleep At The ‘G.
• You can contact us on 1800 626 572 or events@mcm.org.au

About MCM (Melbourne City Mission)

MCM is one of the oldest not for profits in Victoria. MCM for 170 years has been committed to driving systemic change including to end youth homelessness. MCM witnesses daily young people seeking safe, stable, and affordable housing. With your help we have the power to change this.

The Youth Homelessness Crisis

Every night in Australia 122,494 people are estimated to be experiencing homelessness. That is more people than the MCG on a sold our AFL Grand Final day! Over 30,000 of these people are Victorian and over 7,600 are aged 12–24 years old. MCM has the largest provision of refuges in the state, and our refuges are full. Many young people are waiting at the doors of a refuge after leaving institutional care or escaping violent homes. Homelessness is usually a result of other forms of disadvantage building to a crisis. Family violence, abuse and mental health are the major drivers into homelessness for young people. But once they become homeless, they face even more dangerous situations; sleeping rough, in unsafe housing, couch surfing and many others that leave them vulnerable to danger and risks. The longer homelessness lasts, the harder it is for a young person to rebuild their lives.

Homelessness becomes a cycle–surviving from one day to the next. Without the support of organisations like MCM, a young person can become further entrenched in long term homelessness, increasing trauma and poverty, losing all hope of reaching their full potential. We know that 50% of adults experiencing long-term homelessness were homeless as young people. Breaking this cycle is vital to give young people their best chance of a better life.

Funds raised from one night sleepover at the MCG will provide stable, supportive homes to help young Victorians become independent, thriving adults.

Nationally, in 2021 nearly a quarter (23.0%) of all people experiencing homelessness were aged from 12 to 24 years (28,204 people). The rate of homelessness for young people aged 12-24 years grew by 15%. Each night in Victoria, there are only 127 beds available across 17 youth refuges. A lengthy wait list often poses a challenge. This is where your generosity can make a difference. Donations allow caseworkers to explore alternative short-term accommodation until a bed in a refuge becomes available.

According to March 2023 data on young people coming to MCM for homelessness support, 4 in 10 (40.7%) 16 to 24 year olds experienced a significant and episodic mental health crisis, with many instances so severe they led to emergency department presentation. Of the 12,000 15 to 24 year olds, who came to a Victorian Specialist Homelessness Service alone in2021-22, many had complex mental health issues linked to and often driven by their experiences of homelessness at such a young age.

Life Stories at www.sleepattheg.com.au/life-stories