The annual Lifewise Big Sleepout is now in its 7th year. We see many participants coming back to sleep rough year after year.
We asked award-winning journalist, social media expert and three-time Rough Sleeper Troy Rawhiti-Forbes why it means so much to him.
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What made you decide to participate in the Lifewise Big Sleepout this year?
This is my third Lifewise Big Sleepout campaign, and honestly I can’t imagine not doing it – certainly not while there’s still a homelessness problem to be solved. You don’t have to look very hard to see that Auckland’s homelessness crisis is growing more complex, and it’s affecting a broader range of people than ever before.
It’s not just a problem for people without homes. In one way or another, this crisis affects all but the most insulated New Zealanders, and being a passive bystander isn’t enough. Handing over spare change isn’t enough. We need to push back with strong reactions, strong campaigns, and a sustainable solution. I believe Lifewise’s work is part of that solution.
What do you like best about the Lifewise Big Sleepout?
It’s one of the few a-ha moments that the country has about the scale of homelessness and what can be done about it. Yes, it’s a whole other experience when you’re participating and you do have some excellent conversations with some brilliant people, but mostly I like that it’s action we need, delivered in a way that is easy for most people to support.
If you became homeless, what’s the one thing you’d miss most?
If I became homeless, I suspect I’d miss the stability of home. I don’t mean not having any roof and any dry bed, I mean having *the* roof and *the* dry bed. Not having a safe corner that was mine alone, and the security that came with it? I’d miss that the most.
The Lifewise Big Sleepout is on 7 July 2016.
Donate to Troy’s Lifewise Big Sleepout page or
find out more about the event.