University of Queensland School of Architecture students will brave the winter winds and raise funds for homeless people tomorrow night (19 August), by sleeping rough on Brisbane streets.
Lecturer and School of Architecture Winter Sleep-out coordinator Michael Dickson said 12 students and academics would take part in the challenge to support Second Chance Programme, a charity helping homeless women in Brisbane.
“On any given night, one in every 200 Australians is homeless, either sleeping rough on the streets, or in homeless shelters, refuges or temporary accommodation,” he said.
“The primary aim of this event is to raise awareness of homelessness.
“Our research has a strong focus on homelessness and what we can do as a community to combat the shameful statistics.
“The school has a commitment to addressing this basic human right, and our winter sleep-out is just one way that we’re contributing to a more hopeful tomorrow for those without shelter,” Mr Dickson said.
Lecturer and fellow coordinator Dr Kelly Greenop said it was great to see students developing their own social awareness and getting involved in the event.
“Its important students recognise that they have the talents and knowledge to contribute to societal changes,” Dr Greenop said.
“The skills they learn during their architecture studies and career, can be used to help develop safe havens for those less fortunate.”
The group will be sleeping at Wandering Cooks, 1 Fish Lane, South Brisbane, from 6pm on Tuesday 19 August. Donate online here.
Media: Communications Officer Madelene Flanagan, 07 3365 8525, m.flanagan@uq.edu.au
