Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Melbourne Airport is taking a stand against homelessness and family violence by hosting a unique event, the “Live Like Them Challenge,” aimed at raising awareness and funds for women and non-binary individuals facing these challenges. The event will take place on the night of September 5, inviting participants to sleep overnight in their cars on the top level of the Terminal 4 car park, offering a glimpse into the harsh reality that thousands endure every night. Participants can join the challenge by purchasing tickets for $100 per person, with additional donations warmly welcomed.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting Juno and McAuley Community Services for Women. These organizations are dedicated to aiding, empowering, and advocating for women, non-binary people, and their children who are experiencing homelessness and family violence in Melbourne’s northern and western regions. The event’s ambitious goal is to raise at least $100,000.
Statistics reveal a stark reality: in 2022-23, more than 23,000 women and 13,000 children in Australia who had experienced family violence received assistance from homelessness services such as Juno and McAuley. Furthermore, each year, approximately 7,960 women are forced to return to violent situations due to a lack of affordable housing options. By participating in the “Live Like Them Challenge,” individuals can help make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by family violence and homelessness, shining a light on these critical issues and contributing to meaningful change.
Juno CEO Tanya Corrie said: “We often associate homelessness with ‘sleeping rough’ in the street. This neglects the experiences of the far too many women and non-binary people who are sleeping in their cars every night because ‘home’ is not a safe place. “This challenge shines a light on this uncomfortable reality and on an issue that has been hidden for too long.
” CEO of McAuley, Jocelyn Bignold OAM, said: “Family violence is the single largest driver of homelessness for women in Victoria. “The women and children fleeing violence are the hidden homeless, with so many forced to resort to options like couch surfing or living in their cars. This event is designed to draw attention to the need for more safe and affordable accommodation options to ensure women and children are not forced to returning to live with people who use violence because they have nowhere to live.
” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said: “The Live Like Them Challenge is a unique opportunity for our community to come together, raise awareness and make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness after family violence. “We’ll be choosing to be there on the night, and we hope that through the experience participants will gain some understanding of the challenges faced by people who don’t have that same choice.”.
