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The Couch Project – there’s no time to snooze

18 April 2012

State Member for Hornsby Matt Kean, Major Robbin Moulds, James Kerley, and Bianca Orsini at the launch of The Couch Project. (Photo: Shairon Paterson)

Can you remember the last time you fell asleep on the lounge watching a good movie….or maybe not so good, hence the need to snooze.  At least you could wake up, drag yourself off the couch and fall into a much more comfortable bed, safe and sound for some solid slumber. Not so for the 32 000 homeless young people in this country, 14 000 of them who are sleeping on the couches of friends, acquaintances, drug dealers, predators or abusers. While they might find themselves a home to sleep at, they are rarely safe and sound for the night.

The Salvation Army OASIS Youth Support Network has launched “The Couch Project” as a means to pull back the doonas, so to speak, and uncover the “dirty linen” of the increasing issue of couch surfing in our communities.

The awareness and fundraising campaign was launched on Youth Homelessness Matters Day, Wednesday 18th April, and will culminate on Friday 8th June when OASIS is urging thousands of young people to sleep on a couch to raise money for programs to help eliminate youth homelessness.

At the launch, a dozen couches covered in key messages about couch surfing were scattered throughout OASIS' headquarters in Surry Hills. Director of OASIS Youth Support Network, Major Robbin Moulds, spoke about the misconceptions many people have about homelessness: “We want people to understand that you don’t have to be house-less to be homeless. 

“In addition we want to convey that sleeping on a couch is not a safe or stable option for homeless young Australians, in some cases this is every bit as dangerous as sleeping on the streets.” 

During the launch those who stopped to listen were well catered for with the OASIS coffee van serving hot drinks, croissants and waffles – luxuries not always available to those struggling with homelessness. 

The challenge was sent out - inviting as many Australians as possible to join OASIS Youth Support Network in combating youth homelessness by spending the night of Friday 8th June 2012 sleeping on a couch. The idea is to gather as much sponsorship as possible for your night of tossing and turning.

Most people will probably choose to do this in their own home but it can be done anywhere. A number of supportive schools will be approached by OASIS to see how their students can contribute. Corps are also being encouraged to take up the challenge.

If you’re keen to help make a stand against youth homelessness on Friday 8th June then contact Rachel Banks at The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network on 02 83539407, or visit thecouchproject.com.au/.

Don’t be a couch potato – join The Couch Project! 

Report by Major Carolyn Harmer

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.