Tim

The cold lonely night

Last Saturday, I took part in my Ridiculously Good challenge, spending the night in my car to help raise awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness.

The weather was a real reminder of how challenging these conditions can be. Temperatures dropped to around 5°C overnight, with clear skies and cold winds making it feel even colder. It was a restless night where I felt cramped, cold and pretty alone. I knew I could return to the comfort of home the next day, I can't imagine what it would be like not having that option.

For those who sleep in their cars or rough every night of the year, this isn't a one-off experience. It's their reality through winter cold, summer heat, rain, uncertainty, and the daily challenge of finding safety, comfort, and stability. 

A huge thank you to everyone who supported, donated, shared the campaign, and helped raise awareness. Your generosity and support make a real difference.

If you haven't had the chance to donate yet but would still like to support the cause, it's not too late. Every contribution, no matter the size, is welcome.

Thank you again for your partnership and investment.

Thank You For Your Support!

This weekend, I’ll be sleeping in my car as part of the Ridiculously Good campaign.

I’m doing this to help raise awareness for young people and families experiencing homelessness, and for students who arrive at school exhausted because they don’t have a safe or stable place to rest.

As someone connected to school communities, I know how deeply a lack of safety, stability, and sleep impacts a young person’s wellbeing, learning, and hope.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated and supported this campaign. Your generosity is helping create meaningful support for vulnerable young people through YouthCARE.

If you’d like to be part of it, you can support the campaign here:

https://www.ridiculouslygood.com.au/fundraisers/timothywood/ridiculously-good

Together, we can do something ridiculously good.

Why I'm Sleeping Rough

It’s easy to think of homelessness as something distant, something that happens “somewhere else” or to “someone else.” But here in Perth’s south-east metro area, it’s much closer than we realise, especially for young people.

Right now in Western Australia, more than 2,000 children and young people are experiencing homelessness, with thousands more in unstable housing situations. 
On any given day, around 830 young people are seeking help from homelessness services, and that number is rising. 

Even more confronting, across Perth, up to 69 young people can be competing for just one available crisis bed each night. 

These are students who turn up to school exhausted. Young people trying to learn without a safe place to sleep.

Many are couch surfing. Some are sleeping in cars. Others have no stable place at all.

That’s why I’m choosing to take part in the Ridiculously Good challenge, sleeping rough to raise awareness and support for young people experiencing homelessness.

YouthCARE's pastoral services support students by referring, advocating and listening. This is the beginning of real sustainable help for our next generation.

If you’re able, I’d love your support whether that’s through a donation, sharing this page, or simply taking a moment to reflect on how we can care for the most vulnerable in our community.

Because every young person deserves a safe place to sleep and a chance to thrive.