MORE than 100 people braved the cold and swapped their beds for swags at Penrith’s Sydney International Regatta Centre earlier this month raising more than $253,000 for people experiencing homelessness and housing stress across Western Sydney.

Link Wentworth’s annual Home Sweet sleep-out brought local residents, businesses and community leaders together with every dollar raised supporting Aboriginal community housing provider Birribee Housing, Platform Youth Services, and Link Wentworth’s Scholarship Program.

The fundraiser was held as new figures reveal 2,308 people were recorded sleeping rough across NSW this year, a five per cent increase on the previous year.

Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said the community had come together to support people who do not have access to a safe and secure home.

“More than 100 people gave up a warm bed for a night because they wanted to help make a difference people in our community who don’t have that choice,” Mr McAnulty said.

“One night in a swag can’t replicate the experience of homelessness, but it can start important conversations and raise funds that make a real difference,” he said.

“Home Sweet has always been about community supporting community, and it was fantastic to see so many people come together.”

Western Sydney icon and Panthers great Mark Geyer OAM supported the cause as Home Sweet’s first Ambassador. 

Now in its fifth year, Home Sweet has raised more than $1,000,000 since launching, becoming a major community fundraiser for Western Sydney.

“Every dollar raised can help change someone’s life whether that’s helping a young person stay in school, connecting someone with support, or giving someone the stability they need to get back on their feet,” Mr McAnulty said.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who slept out, donated, and helped shine a light on homelessness in our community.”