Group supports The Couch Project

Port Macquarie Salvos Youth, armed with a $12,00 target, is raising funds and awareness for The Couch Project.

Money raised through the campaign will help with food, blankets, crisis accommodation, counselling, education, job training and support to help young people experiencing homelessness get back on track.

The group of friends will get together under the one roof for a sleepover on September 23 when they swap their beds for couches and the floor.

Group member Ashleigh Cocking said that would give them an idea of what it felt like not to have a bed to sleep in.

The 2011 census showed there were more than 44,000 young people under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness.

Most are the hidden homeless such as young people temporarily staying with others or couch surfing.

Group member James Gallagher said they were quite shielded from youth homelessness.

He said the stories in the campaign were eye opening.

The group members have turned their minds to others and are determined to help young people struggling with homelessness.

Ashleigh said they had it so good here.

“We have a bed to sleep in and a roof over our heads,” she said.

They also hope to raise money through a school mufti day and door knocking.

People can donate online to Port Macquarie Salvos Youth’s fundraising efforts at www.salvos.org.au/couchproject