Tiny city for a huge problem

BY BIANCA BIRDSALL
A miniature cardboard city was erected in Martin Place in the early hours of May 1. The stunt was to promote housesforthehomeless.com.au, and raise awareness and funding for Mission Australia’s work with the homeless.

For every visitor to the site, realestate.com.au offered to donate $1, to a total of $100,000. The campaign was a resounding success with the target met within three days, weeks sooner than expected.       

More than 100,000 people in Australia sleep on the streets every night; 26,000 in Sydney alone. Mission Australia helps more than 5000 people each year with accommodation but turns away about 3000 homeless due to lack of funding. The charity offers support to another 40,000 disadvantaged. With more than 1.7 million Australians now suffering from mortgage stress, Mission Australia fears these numbers will soon rise.

The campaign will continue to run throughout May to raise awareness and inspire individual donations. 
‘The general public’s lack of understanding of homelessness is a cause of concern,’ says Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall. ‘If we’re to make inroads into homelessness, there needs to be better awareness of the issues at hand.’

After Martin Place, the cardboard city was also erected on the Bondi foreshore May 10, and Chatswood Mall May 13. It will return to Martin Place for a final showing May 16, after which it will be recycled. 

For more information and to make a donation visit housesforthehomeless.com.au.