‘Opened my eyes’: How a night without home comforts is changing minds

It’s an image many of us have of homelessness: people sleeping rough on a park bench or in a doorway.  

But this perception only captures a minority of people experiencing homelessness. 

According to the latest data, it represents a mere 6% of the 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness on any given night.  

The vast majority live in cars, couch surf, or move between temporary accommodation with no guarantee of security. 

For Ant Bray, the managing director of property marketing company, Tomorrow Agency, this confronting statistic was a powerful call to action. 

“About six weeks ago, our whole company came together for a session on giving back,” he said. 

“There was a strong feeling that we wanted to do more as a business. While several causes were considered, homelessness really resonated with us because of its direct connection to what we do as a property advertising agency.  

“When the opportunity came up to be involved in A Home for All, it immediately felt like the right fit.”  

A Home for All Foundation aims to raise funds and awareness for homelessness in Australia, uniting the property industry and other sectors to tackle this hidden challenge.  

“Our business is built on helping developers create communities and put roofs over people’s heads,” Mr Bray said.  

“A Home for All aligns perfectly with that purpose. The connection between what we do professionally and what this foundation stands for made it feel like a natural partnership. 

“The property industry already has a strong history of supporting charitable initiatives. But given its size and influence, the impact we can make collectively is enormous.” 

The centrepiece of this collaboration is the inaugural campaign, A Night Without Home, taking place this month.  

For Mr Bray and the Tomorrow Agency team, the event is more than just a fundraiser. 

“We will be hosting a sleepover at our Cremorne office, with a goal of at least half our team taking part,” Mr Bray said. 

“Each person has been encouraged not only to raise funds through their networks, but also to start conversations.” 

The initiative has been designed to highlight the hidden nature of the problem, a concept that had a profound impact on the managing director personally.  

“The most surprising, and confronting, statistic for me was that 94% of people experiencing homelessness aren’t on the streets, but are instead in cars, on couches, or in other unsecured living situations,” he said.  

“Like many, I had assumed homelessness was more visible. This really opened my eyes to how hidden the issue is, and I think that’s one of the most misunderstood aspects.” 

By participating in the sleepover, the team will get a small glimpse into the reality faced by so many Australians.  

“For us, this event isn’t just about fundraising, it’s about raising awareness that homelessness isn’t only what we see on the streets, but often what we don’t see,” Mr Bray said.  

“The biggest message I’d like people to walk away with is just how invisible homelessness really is”. 

Looking beyond this specific event, Mr Bray saw this partnership as part of a broader commitment that fitted with the agency’s existing charitable endeavours: children in need, domestic violence, the environment and homelessness.  

“Supporting causes like this isn’t just about being a good citizen,” he said.  

“It’s about showing leadership in our industry. On a personal note, I also hope that my own children see the work we’re doing and are inspired to make giving back part of their lives too. 

“By coming together, we can amplify awareness, change perceptions, and help drive meaningful outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.”  

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