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Joanne says even one night without a cosy bed can bring into focus the harsh reality of homelessness.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year when COVID hit and we were given the option to sleep in our cars, on the couch or in our backyard, I chose to sleep in my car,\u201d she recalls.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did this thinking it was a good middle ground in showing support for the cause while being a little kind to myself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can tell you I was cold, uncomfortable and in need of a loo in the depths of the early morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the many thousands of people, particularly women and children, who sleep in cars every night, you have my deepest empathy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This year Joanne will join other Geelong participants who will congregate at a safe place to watch a livestream of the Melbourne event and then sleep in their car.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want Geelong people to feel confident that they are supporting Geelong people to participate and raise much-needed awareness in our region,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Joanne encourages anyone thinking of taking part to \u201cdo it!\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a fantastic opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what contributes to people becoming homeless \u2026 it\u2019s often not what you think,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will sleep easier knowing you have lent a hand rather than just walked past and pretended it\u2019s not happening.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2021\/04\/IMG_6721-683x1024.jpg\")
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