Podcast Summary – Yolanda Saiz on Tackling Homelessness and Leading Change at Vinnies NSW
Hosted by Jeremy Birt
In this episode of The Strategy Sessions, leadership coach and host Jeremy Birt interviews Yolanda Saiz, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies NSW), about the growing challenge of homelessness and how Vinnies is responding with innovation and compassion.
Yolanda shares how Vinnies has evolved from its grassroots origins to become one of NSW’s leading providers of homelessness, domestic violence, and addiction recovery services. She discusses the complex causes of homelessness—including trauma, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing—and highlights emerging vulnerable groups, such as women over 55 and young people.
The episode also explores key initiatives like the CEO Sleepout, now in its 20th year, which raises funds and awareness by having business leaders sleep outdoors for one night. Yolanda also introduces Vinnies Finds, a new online op shop offering curated second-hand fashion, supporting both sustainability and vital services.
This powerful conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in social impact, community leadership, and how organisations like Vinnies are driving real change.
👉 Register for the CEO Sleep-out: CEO SLEEPOUT 2025
👉 Shop sustainably: vinniesfinds.com.au
👉 Volunteer: Volunteering | St Vincent de Paul Society - Vinnies | Vinnies
👉 Donate: CEO SLEEPOUT - Jeremy Birt
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Episode Title: Tackling Homelessness – A Conversation with Yolanda Saiz, CEO of Vinnies NSW
Host: Jeremy Birt
Guest: Yolanda Saiz, CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
Jeremy Birt:
Welcome to The Strategy Sessions. This is where we cut through the noise and explore what it really takes to lead, grow, and reach your goals in business.
In this session, we're focusing on homelessness—an issue that's worsening across Australia—and the amazing work Vinnies does to address it.
I’m your host, Jeremy Burt—leadership coach and mentor to executives, businesses, and individuals looking for strategic support to reach their goals quickly and meaningfully.
Joining me today to shed light on this important issue is Yolanda Saiz, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society in New South Wales. Yolanda, welcome and thanks so much for being here.
Yolanda Saiz:
Thanks for having me, Jeremy. It’s great to be here.
Jeremy:
Let me start by reading out your impressive bio.
Yolanda Saiz is the Chief Executive Officer of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW—the first woman to lead the organisation in its 140-year history. A bold, values-driven leader, Yolanda brings over 25 years of experience across journalism, government, and the not-for-profit sector. She’s widely recognised for her strategic clarity, compassionate leadership, and powerful advocacy.
Since joining Vinnies in 2011, she’s held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Director of Commercial Enterprise, Fundraising and Communication. She's been instrumental in modernising the organisation’s brand, building new revenue streams, and driving digital transformation.
Appointed CEO in 2023, Yolanda is leading a major transformation focused on improving outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and disadvantage.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism and Politics), has undertaken executive studies at Harvard Business School, and sits on the boards of Charitable Recycling Australia and the NSW Council of Social Services. She’s also an active member of the CEO Institute and the Fundraising Institute of Australia.
So, Yolanda—let’s dive in. What exactly does Vinnies do?
Yolanda:
Vinnies—or the St Vincent de Paul Society—has been in Australia for over 140 years. Originally founded in France, our mission is to walk with people through their experiences of poverty and disadvantage, helping them find the tools and support they need to get back on their feet.
We provide a wide range of services across NSW: from homeless services, domestic and family violence refuges, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation, to disability and inclusion programs. We also have over 400 volunteer-run community groups—our members—who assist people directly with everyday needs like bills, food, and school costs.
And of course, many people know us for our 223 retail shops across NSW, offering affordable clothing and goods, while funding our frontline services.
Jeremy:
It’s much broader than I realised. How have your services evolved over time?
Yolanda:
Our work began at the grassroots level—members responding to needs in their communities. Over time, the organisation grew into a major provider of complex frontline services.
Our members were innovators. They started many of the services we still run today, often funding them through small-scale community efforts. And more than 100 years ago, they began our op shops—long before second-hand shopping was trendy.
Today, we combine that grassroots foundation with professional, specialised services. It’s a unique and powerful combination.
Jeremy:
Let’s talk about homelessness. What’s driving the issue right now, and is it getting worse?
Yolanda:
Unfortunately, yes. The most recent census data shows that over 122,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Australia—a 5.6% increase since 2016.
Some of the most concerning trends are among women over 55—currently the fastest-growing group facing homelessness—and young people, with 23% of the homeless population aged between 12 and 24.
It’s important to note that homelessness isn’t just sleeping rough. It includes insecure and unsafe housing—like couch surfing, overcrowded conditions, or living in cars and motels.
The drivers are complex: lifelong trauma, mental health issues, substance abuse (often as a coping mechanism), domestic violence, and the severe lack of affordable housing.
Jeremy:
It sounds incredibly complex. How does Vinnies support both immediate needs and long-term change?
Yolanda:
It’s a balance. Our members provide critical early intervention—helping people pay rent, afford food, or cover utility bills to keep them in their homes.
Then our services provide long-term, case-managed support. We help people define their goals—whether that’s housing, employment, or recovery—and walk with them on that journey.
We also advocate at a structural level, working with government on policy changes to address the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness. We’re not just saying “there’s a problem”; we’re proposing real, evidence-based solutions.
Jeremy:
Let’s switch gears to the CEO Sleepout. I’ve done it—an incredible experience. Can you tell us more?
Yolanda:
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the CEO Sleepout. It was started by Bernie Fehon who, after attending multiple gala dinners, felt there had to be a better way to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
Instead, he suggested something more experiential: have business and community leaders sleep outside for one night, hear real stories from those with lived experience, and raise funds for Vinnies’ work.
It’s not about replicating homelessness—it’s about creating a moment of reflection and connection. Participants often leave changed, more aware of how fragile life can be, and how powerful compassion and action can be.
Jeremy:
You’ve also recently launched something new—Vinnies Finds. Tell us about that.
Yolanda:
We’ve launched an e-commerce platform called Vinnies Finds, which curates high-quality second-hand fashion.
It’s a major step for us—two years of work, including building the logistics and digital infrastructure. Second-hand fashion is growing rapidly worldwide, especially among younger consumers.
Every sale helps fund our frontline services, so this platform expands both our reach and our impact.
Jeremy:
Yolanda, thank you for this deeply insightful conversation. The work that you and Vinnies do is extraordinary.
To everyone listening—please support the CEO Sleepout or Vinnies however you can. Share this episode, donate, or get involved.
Yolanda:
Thanks, Jeremy. And thank you to everyone who supports our mission.
Jeremy:
Until next time—keep an eye out for more Strategy Sessions episodes, where we continue to explore the minds and methods of inspiring leaders.