Newcastle charity Soul Cafe has raised more than $175,000 to help local people struggling to put a roof over their head.
The money raised from this year’s ‘Sleepout for Soul’ event was the charity’s largest amount yet.
More than 350 participants stayed overnight at Newcastle’s Bolton Street Carpark on May 21.
The tally comes one week into the charity’s Winter Appeal, which is encouraging the community to donate additional funds, food, clothing and hygiene products to those sleeping rough on the streets.
The organisation regularly serves hot meals free of charge to disadvantaged people in the Hunter.
Volunteers also help those in need access free medical, legal, Centrelink, housing, counselling, and other services.