Hundreds of business people are sleeping out in Dublin and in Cork, to show solidarity with homeless people.

Focus Ireland's "Shine a light the night" campaign is taking place tonight.

Newstalk presenter Bobby Kerr told us: "I haven't slept on the streets before, but I've been working in the city centre for 25 years and the numbers of people who are homeless appear to be going up and up":

He is one of the business people taking part.

Kerr says he is hoping the business brain power gathered at the event will be able to come up with some suggestions on how to solve the crisis.

He adds that the government is spending a lot of money - through some 23 agencies - to make the situation right, but it has not worked yet.

"Maybe we could come up with something that would add value," he said.

This year Focus Ireland’s Shine a Light night Dublin will take place on the grounds of Christchurch Cathedral and Shine a Light Munster will take place in the historic Cork City Goal.

Everyone taking part has raised €5,000 for Focus Ireland’s prevention services.

Down to Business will have a special show tomorrow reporting from the sleep-out, and discussing new solutions to Ireland's homelessness problem - that's live from 10:00am.