ROMA, meet the youngest participant helping to support the homeless in the Maranoa.

At just 13, Baringa* was the youngest camper at the Anglican Sleepout on Friday night, held in support of organisations to help end homelessness across the region. And it’s not even his first time doing so.

With temperatures plunging as far as -1°C in the Maranoa winter on some nights, Baringa said it could get pretty cold sleeping out at night.

“I brought my own stuff along and also brought the family to participate,” he said.

“Sometimes it gets really cold, but it’s good that the staff her prepare a meal and provide support for everyone.

“I had a great time helping out, just playing card games with everyone and supporting the efforts of Anglicare to help eliminate homelessness.”

Anglicare’s Toni Smith said the night’s efforts was a way of bringing awareness to the issue of homelessness, and providing support pathways for people seeking help.

“The ideal goal is to make these services available to the community and help give people the representation they need out here.”

* Surname suppressed