According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 987 people in Parramatta were homeless in 2016, which was up 22 per cent from 2011.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is playing its part in helping break the cycle of homelessness and is supporting the first Vinnies Western Sydney Community Sleepout on 30 August.

The Sleepout will bring together local business and community members, including local teachers, police and lawyers to take action to prevent homelessness in Western Sydney.

On the night of the Sleepout, they will be given no more than a beanie, a sheet of cardboard and a cup of soup, and will sleep on an open field at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South Campus.

The St Vincent de Paul Society of NSW hope to raise $100,000 through the Sleepout for programs including homelessness prevention, emergency relief support, and social justice and advocacy programs.

The RRT is thrilled to be supporting this cause for the first time and will serve for breakfast the morning after the Sleepout more than 200 bacon and egg rolls and barista coffees.

The RRT is committed to playing its part to combat homelessness in Western Sydney and to bring about positive change because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.