Light the path out of homelessness

Sign up for Sleep Under the Stars and raise money to help young Australians who need somewhere safe to live, learn and thrive.

General Questions

  • What is Sleep Under the Stars?
    • Sleep Under the Stars is an annual fundraising event organised by Stepping Stone House to raise awareness and support for young people experiencing homelessness in Australia.

      Established in 2015 and held each October, individuals, workplaces, and families come together as a community to sleep outdoors. With a history of iconic Sydney locations, as well as a committed community of stars, this is a great family-friendly event to help make a difference for young people in need of support.

      Learn more
  • When and where is the event taking place?
    • Sleep Under the Stars 2024 will be held on October 25th, on the Stargazer Lawn at Barangaroo, Sydney. Participants can also choose to sleep out at home or in another safe space anytime in October, if they are unable to attend the physical event.

  • How can I register for the event?
    • You can register for Sleep Under the Stars by visiting our registration page and following the sign-up instructions.

      Sign up
  • Is the event family-friendly?
    • Yes, Sleep Under the Stars is a family-friendly event with activities suitable for all ages, including shelter building, live music, and storytelling. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Fundraising Questions

  • What is the fundraising minimum to participate in the in-person event?
    • Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $250 to unlock a ticket to the in-person event. This amount helps Stepping Stone House to make a greater impact by providing on-going, long-term shelter, care, and support for young people experiencing homelessness.

      If you have questions, feel free to get in touch.

      Contact us
  • How do I start fundraising?
    • Once you register, you’ll receive emails with tips and resources to help you reach your goal. You can also use our fundraising resources and share your online fundraising page to share with family, friends, and colleagues.

  • Can I fundraise as part of a team?
    • Yes, you can join or create a team when you register. Team fundraising is a great way to motivate each other and reach your goals together. To start a team, first sign up as an individual then create a team page. To join a team, select an existing team when you sign up as an individual, or log in and click the join team button on the team page.

  • Where does the fundraising go?
    • All funds raised from Sleep Under the Stars go directly to Stepping Stone House, supporting young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Your contributions help provide safe accommodation, development programs, and extended care to young people aged 12-25.

      Every dollar raised plays a crucial role in funding our Semi-Independent Living and Independent Living Programs, giving children and young people individualised support to help them heal, build resilience, and become the very best they can be.

Event Questions

  • What should I bring to the event?
  • Is there anything that is not allowed to bring to the event?
    • Sleep Under the Stars is a family-friendly event, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. We ask that participants avoid bringing pop-up or camping tents, camping gear such as portable barbeques or stoves, valuables, spray paints, candles, or other flammable or dangerous materials.

      For further information, or specific enquires please contact us.

      Contact us
  • What if I can’t attend the event in person?
    • If you can’t make it to Barangaroo, you can still participate by hosting your own sleep-out at home or another safe space anytime in October. Raise funds, share your plans with family and friends, and make sure to post your experience on social media with the hashtag #SleepUnderTheStars.

  • Are there food and drinks available at the event?
    • We’ve got a variety of tasty options to keep everyone fueled throughout Sleep Under the Stars!

      Dinner will be provided by a food truck on the Friday night, and will include hearty soup and sausage sandwiches, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

      On Saturday morning, there will be a complimentary coffee cart for all participants, courtesy of our sponsor Advantage Healthcare Support, and a BBQ serving bacon and egg rolls to kick off the day.

  • What activities are planned for the event?
    • We’ve got a whole range of fun activities and festivities planned for Sleep Under the Stars this year! Highlights include:

      • Shelter building
      • Participating in our group art project
      • A fun games corner (thanks to our generous sponsor Lotus People)
      • Hearing from young people at Stepping Stone House
      • Sharing stories around the campfire
      • Starting the day with a sunrise yoga session

      So, there will be plenty of fun for all ages!

  • Can I bring my dog or pets?
    • While we love our furry friends, we kindly ask that pets stay at home for the event, to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all attendees. If you have a registered assistance animal, such as animals for guidance or medical purposes, please get in touch with our team so we can help with any accessibility needs.

      Contact Us
  • What happens if it rains?
    • If there are light showers or winds, Sleep Under the Stars will proceed as planned, and tarps will be provided for your comfort. However, if severe thunderstorms or high winds are forecast, the event will be postponed for everyone’s safety.

      In this case, the event will be rescheduled to Friday, November 1st and all participants will be notified via email and SMS.

  • How does ticketing work?
    • This year, we’re using Humanitix to handle ticketing and check-in for Sleep Under the Stars. Participants that sign up to participate at the Stargazer Lawn will receive a digital ticket via email which will include your QR code ticket.

      Upon arriving at the venue:

      1. Head to the check-in tent at the event entrance (on the South-East side of the lawn, opposite Merriman St).
      2. Find and prepare your QR code ticket on your mobile device to be scanned by an event volunteer. This will be sent to the email address used to register.
      3. At the check-in tent, wait to have your QR code scanned, attach your wristband, and then follow instructions from our team.

  • Can I attend if I haven’t registered?
    • To ensure the safety of all participants and smooth event logistics, all attendees must register for Sleep Under the Stars. This helps us manage numbers, provide adequate facilities, and ensure everyone is accounted for. Particpants under the age of 18 are also required to register.

      Unfortunately, unregistered guests will not be able to join on the night, so make sure to secure your spot by registering beforehand!

      Register today
  • Can I attend if I am a minor?
    • Sleep Under the Stars is a family friendly event, and children and teens are welcome and encouraged to participate. However, for safety reasons, all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sponsorship and Donation Questions

Other Questions