Q&A with Mali Brennan

Why did you participate in Homeless For A Night?

In recent years I have been participating in the annual Hike for the Homeless event, run by Base Services, a not-for-profit, community-developed organisation that works with individuals and families who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness. Last year my mum participated in the Homeless for a Night event run by BASE Services and she told me about what an eye-opening experience it was, so this year I decided it was something I wanted to take part in myself.

Was it local homelessness that you wanted to raise

awareness of?

The ‘Homeless for a Night’ sleepout is an event organised to raise awareness of the current housing crisis in our community, as well as raise funds to ensure the Basement Soup Kitchen can continue to provide support and assistance to people experiencing homelessness in our community. Together my mum and I raised $465; however, the most valuable contribution to the cause that we and anyone can make is to talk about it and continue spreading awareness of both local homelessness and the organisations running in Toowoomba.

Tell me about the night itself…

The Homeless for a Night Sleepout involved hearing different people’s stories and experiences and then

getting to experience for ourselves just a small part of what homelessness can be like. The night began with a walk around Toowoomba, jumping from organisation to organisation, and hearing about the amazing services and support they provide to anyone in need, all year round. The last stop was Protea Place, where we were all served hot soup. Protea Place is a women’s support centre which offers women in need a safe, comfortable place that provides a meal, shower and a friendly face to chat to. We then continued on our journey, to the city library carpark where we set up camp for the night. Some brought swags, whilst others had nothing other than a sleeping bag for shelter and comfort. Trying to get to sleep on a cold night despite constant noise and glaring lights was truly challenging but enlightening.

What did you learn about sleeping rough for the night?

While spending a single night sleeping rough does not come close to the experiences of someone facing

homelessness, it reminded me just how fortunate everyone who has a safe place to call home is and made me appreciate the security and comfort my house offers me every night.

And what did you learn about yourself?

The Homeless for a Night Sleepout was an invaluable experience which I encourage others to participate in if they have the opportunity to. It developed my understanding of the challenges faced daily by people in Toowoomba and worldwide and it reminded me of just how much every conversation and donation helps.

What are the statistics of homelessness in our region?

Homelessness in Australia is continuing to rise. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 1 in 200 Australians find themselves without a safe, secure or affordable place to sleep.

• 14% of people experiencing homelessness are aged 12 or below
• 24% of people experiencing homelessness are between 12 and 24
• 16% of people experiencing homelessness are over 55.

According to the Queensland Council of Social Service, in May 2021 there were 2,286 men, women and children in Toowoomba who didn’t have a safe place to sleep each night. The housing crisis in Toowoomba is growing, and Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot in April 2021 found that less than 1% of Australia’s private rental market was affordable to people on government pensions and benefits.

Over the past 12 months, BASE Services has provided more than 20,000 meals, food, and hygiene

packs and over 200 backpack beds to people sleeping rough in Toowoomba. See: Homeless for a week »

Every conversation or donation will help.