Greens join CEO sleep-out for homelessness

Australian Greens housing spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam will spend tonight sleeping on the streets of the nation's capital to raise awareness of homelessness.

"There is no reason why any Australian should be denied the basic human right to shelter. I hope Australians will donate to St Vinnies by sponsoring me for the Sleep Out, and will get behind the Greens' campaign to deliver affordable housing and better services for those in need."

DONATE HERE: http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/ceos/act-ceos/scott-ludlam-australian-gree...

Tomorrow morning the Greens will make a major announcement on tackling homelessness in Australia.

"The number of homeless people in Australia increased by 17 per cent between 2006 and 2011 but, despite that disturbing rise, there seems to be little sense of urgency amongst the nation's ostensible leaders," said Senator Ludlam.

"Tonight in Canberra it is forecast to be minus three degrees. Every winter homeless people in Australia die from exposure. We can't let this go on.

"The fact that 60 per cent of homeless people are under the age of 35 is a dire warning of a growing national tragedy, but together we can work to turn this around and build a society in which every Australian has a roof over their head."

Senator Ludlam will be joined by fellow Greens Shane Rattenbury MLA and ACT Senate candidate Simon Sheikh.