What is The Roughin’ It Challenge?
The Roughin’ It Challenge is a key fundraising event for Launch Housing in 2021.
Participating in the Roughin’ It Challenge will open your eyes to the experience of homelessness and show you how we can support our city’s most vulnerable residents.
You’ll have the option to Rough It for one (24 hours), three or five days. During your challenge you’ll show your solidarity with people who have nowhere safe to sleep by living with no bed, one bag of belongings and just $10 a day for food and essentials.
In the lead up to the challenge, participants are encouraged ask their friends and family to sponsor them for their efforts. The money you raise will go to Launch Housing to help end homelessness.
Is the challenge COVID safe? Are there other health risks?
Yes, as long as you follow the rules when participating. Please ensure that you pay particular attention to the rule about where to do your challenge. It must not be done in a public space, only on property you own or rent.
Please ensure that you stay up to date and comply with the latest COVID guidelines in your area. Check your local area’s relevant government website for the most up to date information.
Your safety comes first. Please also ensure that you take care of yourself before, during and after the challenge and do not endanger your health.
If you have any concerns about your safety or health, we suggest you seek medical advice for your circumstances before participating.
When is The Roughin’ It Challenge?
The Roughin It challenge runs from Friday 16th April – Friday 23rd April 2021.
You can choose the length of your challenge, but we recommend you rough it for one day (24 hours), three or five days during that week.
Can I do the challenge at a time that is more convenient to me?
We would like our community of participants to rough it together so we can support you and you can be a part of the collective Roughin’ It story.
If you are really keen to take the challenge at a different time, please reach out to the Launch Housing team by emailing Communications@launchhousing.org.au.
Can l do the challenge in a park or public space?
For safety and legal reasons, you cannot participate in the Roughin’ It Challenge in a public space.
It must be within the grounds of a property you own or rent. It could be in your front or back yard, in your car or another space within the bounds of your property.
Wherever you choose to Rough It, it’s important that you consider your safety and don’t put yourself or others in any risk. Please ensure you are following the latest COVID-19 guidelines in your area as well.
How do I register?
Follow any of the ‘Sign Up!’ links on this website to get started.
Before you can register for the Roughin’ It Challenge you will need to sign up to Just Giving, an online fundraising platform.
Why do people experience homelessness?
If someone is experiencing homelessness, it is not their fault.
Family and domestic violence followed by mental health issues are the most common factors behind homelessness.
What do I have to do when I’m roughin’ it?
During the Roughin’ It Challenge, you’ll need to make sure that you follow the challenge rules. Over one (24 hours), three or five days, you must challenge yourself to:
1. No bed
You cannot sleep in a bed. You may choose to sleep in your car, outside in a tent, or in makeshift camp on your property.
2. One bag
Everything you need for the duration of the challenge, including bedding. must be packed in one bag (like a standard backpack) or be carried with you. If you don’t pack it or carry it, you cannot use it, so think carefully about what to include!
During the challenge you cannot leave your bag anywhere – it has to be with you at all times, even when going to the toilet!
3. $10 a day
For each day of the challenge, you have just $10 to spend on food and consumables. All your food and consumables must be carried in your bag.
You cannot bring any food or drink in advance (for example, food you already have in the house). The $10 allocation is the only allowance you have for food. It is fine to use water from your house taps.
Your kitchen and appliances are off-limits. This means no use of appliances like the oven, microwave or kettle.
You can of course use the bathroom, but all equipment you wish to use in the challenge e.g. soap, towel, toothbrush etc must be packed in your bag.
Please find more detailed explanation of The Rules here (link to new section)
As long as you are following these rules, you can go about your usual activities. Just remember, things might not be exactly as normal.
You may not sleep well without your bed. You won’t be able to use all of your usual creature comforts. There won’t be much money to spend on food or essentials.
You may experience hunger, tiredness and fear.
Roughin’ It will be tough. But that’s why it’s a challenge.
Were people with lived experience consulted for The Roughin' It Challenge?
The Roughin' It Challenge was developed in consultation with the Lived Experience Advisory Program (LEAP) participants who also provided guidance on additional tasks for the challenge known as 'Game Changers' - extra challenges which aim to provide more insight into the experience of homelessness and just how tough it can be.
How long do I have to rough it for?
You can choose the length of your challenge, but we recommend you select one (24 hours), three or five days between Friday 16th April – Friday 23rd April 2021.
Can l do the challenge from other places in Australia?
Absolutely yes. The Roughin’ It Challenge is available to anyone in Australia to participate.
How many people can I have in my team?
Completing the Roughin’ It Challenge with a team is a great way to enhance your experience and your fundraising!
You could create a team with your colleagues from work, a local club you’re a member of or your friends and family.
There is no minimum or maximum limit on the number of people who can join a team.
New teams can be created when registering or you can join an existing team by searching for the team name in the search bar.
Is the event free?
It is free to register for the Roughin’ It Challenge, so what are you waiting for?
Sign up today and do your part to help the 24,000 Victorians who will be homeless tonight.
In the lead up to the challenge, ask your friends and family to sponsor you for your efforts. All money raised will help Launch Housing to help end homelessness.
How does the money I raise help to end homelessness?
All money raised through The Roughin’ It Challenge will go to Launch Housing to help end homelessness.
Launch Housing provides a range of services to suit the broad needs of Victorians experiencing homelessness.
Your fundraising efforts will help Victorians doing it tough right now as well as supporting long-term activities to end homelessness.
You can find out more about Launch Housing’s initiatives and programs here.
What will it be like to rough it?
We won’t lie to you - Roughin’ It will be tough. But that’s why it’s a challenge!
You may not sleep well without your bed. You won’t be able to use all of your usual creature comforts. There won’t be much money to spend on food or essentials.
You may experience hunger, tiredness and fear.
But you will also get a rare opportunity to open your mind to the experience of other people in your city, those who have no place to call home. And, even better, you will be able to raise much needed funds to help end homelessness.
What else can I do to help?
If addition to taking part in the challenge, you can help end homelessness by talking about the issue with people you know. Changing hearts and minds, correcting misperceptions and inspiring action on this issue is an enormously important task that anyone can do. For more information on how you can help, please visit our Take Action page.
How can l create or join a team?
Set up your individual page first. Click 'Sign Up' and fill out the form.
If you're from a workplace, enter the details during signup.
At the end of signup, you'll see an option to create a team or join a team.
Fill out the teams form and confirm.
Tell your mates the team name so they can join!
For more information how to set up a team page, click here.
If you need help, please contact Communications@launchhousing.org.au.