Wednesday, August 7, 2024
reading time: 2 minutes
Melbourne Airport is taking a stand against homelessness and domestic violence by hosting a unique event, the Live Like Them Challenge, which aims to raise awareness and funds for women and non-binary individuals facing these challenges. Taking place on the night of September 5, the event invites participants to sleep overnight in their cars on the top floor of Terminal 4 car park, providing a glimpse into the harsh reality thousands endure every night.
Participants can join the challenge by purchasing tickets for $100 per person, with additional donations welcome. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support Juno and McAuley Community Services for Women. These organisations are committed to helping, empowering and advocating for women, non-binary people and their children experiencing homelessness and family violence in Melbourne’s north and west. The event’s ambitious goal is to raise at least $100,000.
The statistics reveal a stark reality: in 2022 and 2023, more than 23,000 women and 13,000 children in Australia who had experienced family violence received assistance from homelessness services such as Juneau and Macauley. Furthermore, an estimated 7,960 women each year are forced back into violent situations due to a lack of affordable housing options.
By taking part in the Live Like Them Challenge, individuals can help make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and homelessness, highlighting these critical issues and contributing to meaningful change.
“We are delighted to be working with Juno to create a new generation of digital solutions that will allow us to deliver the best possible experience for our customers,” said Tanya Currie, CEO of Juno. “We often associate homelessness with ‘sleeping rough’ on the street. This ignores the experiences of far too many women and non-binary people who sleep in their cars every night because ‘home’ is not a safe place.
“This challenge highlights this uncomfortable reality and an issue that has been hidden for too long.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Macauley to develop this innovative technology,” said Jocelyn Bignold, MD, CEO of Macauley. “Domestic violence is the biggest cause of homelessness for women in Victoria.
“Women and children fleeing violence are the homeless in hiding, with many forced to resort to options such as moving between homes or living in their cars. This event is designed to highlight the need for more safe and affordable accommodation options to ensure that women and children are not forced back into living with violent people because they have nowhere to live.”
Laurie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport, 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 domestic violence.
“We will choose to be there at night, and we hope that through this experience participants will gain some understanding of the challenges faced by people who do not have the same choice.”
