News

Oasis tackles youth homelessness from the couch with The Couch Project

WHEN: 26 July 2013
WHERE: Customs House Forecourt

The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network (Oasis) takes over Customs House forecourt, with the launch of their fundraising and awareness campaign, The Couch Project, on Sunday July 28. The five-day installation of a SpaceCube, housing a simple red couch, will see a series of Couch Project Ambassadors sitting on the couch over a 24-hour period, highlighting the dangers of couch surfing’s hidden homelessness within Sydney’s youth culture.

“It’s not a sleep over if you can’t go home,” says Major Keith Hampton, Director of Oasis, “and the public needs to know that couch surfing is one of the first steps in the cycle of youth homelessness. The Couch Project raises this issue, breaking down any barriers or misconceptions about homelessness, helping us to open up conversations at home and potentially aid early intervention.”

Returning for a second year, Oasis resolved to tackle couch homelessness in a more prominent way in response to the alarming growth and relatively limited awareness of the public. In March, the Australian Bureau of Statistics announced that the figures of 44,083 homeless youth (<24 years) is likely underestimated due to the incidence of couch surfing.

“When home is no longer safe, usually the first option is to spend a night at a mate’s place. But time and time again we see young people running out of options.” said Major Hampton, “If we can help the public to see that couch surfing is homelessness, maybe young people can get help more quickly.”

Giving the launch some oomph, the Ambassadors represent a cross-section of Oasis supporters and every-day people who have been affected by youth homelessness, or are passionate about making a difference. From celebrities, CEO’s, business leaders, Principals and School Students, through to formerly homeless young people, key staff and supporters.

“Anyone can get involved with The Couch Project,” says Major Hampton, “It’s a fun way to get involved with a serious subject. You can host community fundraising events to boost your efforts, share awareness about youth homelessness with your friends, family, colleagues, and let’s not forget the incredible Onesies!”

The seven-week campaign asks the public to pledge to spend a night on the couch on Saturday September 14, raising funds and awareness through an online fundraising profile at thecouchproject.com.au, featuring Bed Socks and Onesies as fundraising incentives. All funds raised through The Couch Project contribute towards vital accommodation services provided at Oasis in Surry Hills.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, homelessness under the age of 24 has increased by more than 17% since the last census to over 44,000, with this figure likely to be an underestimate due to the incidence of couch surfing amongst this age group. Couch surfing is considered the early stages of youth homelessness.

(below, the incredible James Mathison does a live cross to The Project from the cube! He later went on to spent the night on the couch for Oasis in Circular Quay. High fives to James!!)