Will you sleep in your car to help those who don’t have a choice?

This October, Sleep In Your Car overnight to hit the brakes on homelessness. Take action to raise awareness of the harsh realities faced by many Australians during the affordable housing crisis.

Help us hit the brakes on homelessness this October

Your participation in Sleep In Your Car will provide crucial, nationwide support services to help more children, families and individuals who are doing it especially tough.

932

people signed up so far

$10,999

raised so far

How many nights

will you Sleep In Your Car in October to help support people experiencing homelessness?

1

night

Invite a mate to squeeze in too!

2

nights

Why not make a weekend of it?

4

nights

Mix and match your days when it suits

Or choose your own number of nights

Sarah’s story

Sarah had recently immigrated to Australia with her two young children when her husband became increasingly controlling and abusive.

Desperate to get away, Sarah took off in the car with her children one evening. With no money, or family or friends to offer support, they had no option but to sleep in their car.

When Sarah was approached by a Mission Australia case worker, she felt safe enough to share her story – the abuse, and their escape.

Sarah was provided crisis accommodation while she undertook English lessons and found employment. In time, she was able to establish her own safe home – complete with a fridge, washing machine and, best of all, beds.

3 simple steps

Sign up

Join our like-minded community and challenge yourself to a bad night’s sleep for a good cause. It’s FREE.

Reach out

Connect with family, friends and colleagues to raise vital funds to support people without a safe home.

Squeeze in

Clear out the backseat and get uncomfortable as you sleep in your car overnight this October.

What you’ll get

Exclusive gear

Collect them all! Including a silk sleep mask and Bose wireless noise-cancelling headphones.

Fundraising support

Get the most out of your fundraising with your handy dashboard and our community group.

Handy resources

Spread the word with easy-to-use social media tiles, posters and more.

Our top fundraisers

Share the fun

With your mates

They're an accountability buddy, a group hug, and the resounding ‘cheers’ as you celebrate the end of a bad night's sleep. You can set up a team during registration and increase your impact. Whether you park in the same location or participate virtually, it's easier to get through the uncomfortable night together.

With your colleagues

Bring the workplace together to collectively sleep rough for a night. It's a one-of-a-kind bonding experience they can be proud of, while making it known to stakeholders, employees and wider public that, like us, you believe no Australian should have to call their car a home.

About
Mission Australia

At Mission Australia, we believe in hope and possibility for all.

With more than 165 years of experience, we are one of Australia’s largest and most trusted for-purpose community service and housing providers.

Every day, we deliver homelessness services, provide social and affordable housing, help families, children and young people thrive, improve mental health and wellbeing, support people with disability, provide pathways to employment and financial stability, strengthen communities, offer alcohol and other drug support, and more.

Backed by our supporters, partners, funders and collaborators, we welcome people and communities of all backgrounds, ages and beliefs who seek our support, providing excellent services and safe, secure homes that offer hope and lasting impact.

> Read more about our work

Your questions answered

add_circle remove_circle

When does Sleep In Your Car take place?

Sleep In Your Car is a virtual challenge in October 2025. You can choose a night or nights to take part in the challenge.

There is no set start time -- "bedtime" looks different to everyone -- but the challenge is to sleep in your car overnight.

Register now to hit the brakes on homelessness.

add_circle remove_circle

How much does it cost to register?

Sleep In Your Car is free to take part!

We want as many people as possible to join so that we can have the greatest possible impact for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

add_circle remove_circle

How do I participate in the challenge?

Registering for the event will automatically set up your fundraising page. We then send your welcome pack with your FREE Sleep In Your Car checklist.

Reach out to family, friends and colleagues to raise money to help end homelessness in Australia.

Then, on your chosen night, find someplace safe to park your car -- a driveway or quiet street -- and sleep in your car overnight.

It's a bad night's sleep for a good cause.