One night outside. A lifetime of perspective.

On one of the coldest nights of the Canberra winter, Parker Coles Curtis Director Catherine Coles joined 117 other community leaders for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

While one night sleeping outside cannot replicate the reality of homelessness, it offers a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by thousands of Australians who do not have a safe place to call home.

For Catherine, the experience began before she even arrived.

As she was dropped off at Old Parliament House by her husband Rhys and their children, the conversation in the car turned to why she was taking part.

"The kids were worried about me sleeping outside," Catherine said. "I reassured them that it was only one night, and that I was doing it to help raise awareness for people and families who don't have a home to return to through no fault of their own. Sometimes life presents circumstances that are incredibly difficult, and that's when organisations like Vinnies become so important."

After registering and collecting a blue Vinnies beanie, scarf and pillow, participants took part in activities designed to provide insight into the lives of people seeking support. One exercise explored the story of a woman named Kimberley, whose circumstances improved through practical assistance from Vinnies, including making her home more energy efficient to reduce heating costs.

As the evening progressed, participants collected their three pieces of cardboard, found a place to set up for the night and shared a simple meal of soup and a bread roll while meeting fellow participants.

The rain began to fall.

Inside the House of Representatives chamber, participants heard from Vinnies staff and learned about the incredible fundraising efforts across the ACT. Collectively, Canberra participants raised more than $900,000 to support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Catherine was recognised as a "Power Napper" for raising more than $8,000, joining a group of just 15 participants to reach that milestone. She was also inspired by the dedication of the "Deep Sleepers" – individuals who had raised more than $16,000 and, in some cases, had participated in the Sleepout for over 15 years.

But it was one story that left the greatest impact.

Kiara, a single mother of three, shared her lived experience of homelessness.

In 2022, while struggling to maintain a private rental and manage significant health challenges, Kiara found herself facing impossible choices between paying rent and purchasing essential medication. After receiving a notice to vacate, she began living in her car during a Canberra winter.

Separated from her children and overwhelmed by her circumstances, Kiara reached a point where she had set a date to end her life.

Thankfully, she reached out for help.

Through OneLink, she was connected with Vinnies and a caseworker she describes as her "guardian angel".

More than practical support, Kiara spoke about the compassion she received. She described how Vinnies workers listened without judgement, walked alongside her during her darkest moments, and made her feel worthy of support.

Within weeks, she secured transitional accommodation. Vinnies also provided opportunities for her to create special memories with her children, including trips to the zoo and movies during a time when life felt overwhelmingly difficult.

Today, Kiara has secure housing and is rebuilding her future.

Her story was a powerful reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone.

At Parker Coles Curtis, we regularly work alongside individuals and families navigating some of life's most difficult transitions. We see firsthand how quickly circumstances can change following separation, family breakdown, illness, job loss, domestic violence, or unexpected financial hardship.

What stood out most from the evening was not simply the statistics. It was the reminder that behind every number is a person, a family, a story, and often a crisis that could happen to any one of us.

As the rain intensified and the wind picked up overnight, Catherine settled onto her cardboard bed for what proved to be a restless sleep.

"There was plenty of snoring, plenty of noise, and very little comfort," she laughed. "But unlike those experiencing homelessness, I knew I had a warm home waiting for me the next morning."

At 5am, participants packed up and headed home.

For Catherine, the contrast was immediate. A hot shower. A warm house. A hug from her children and husband. Attending a school assembly where she watched her son speak and her daughter receive an award.

The simple moments many of us take for granted.

"Coming home made me incredibly grateful," Catherine said. "Not just for my family and home, but for the support networks many of us have around us. The Sleepout reinforced how important organisations like Vinnies are in helping people through some of the hardest periods of their lives."

Parker Coles Curtis is incredibly proud of Catherine's participation in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and grateful to everyone who donated to support her fundraising efforts.

Together, the Canberra community has helped raise vital funds that will make a real difference to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.