Huntsville’s youth are taking to the streets to raise awareness about youth homelessness. On February 3rd, The Door Youth Centre is hosting its Sleep Outside event for the second year in a row. Members of town and youth council will arm themselves with cardboard, tarps and donated sleeping bags to spend the night outside, regardless of weather.
Chair of Huntsville’s Youth Council, Ryan Clarke, says it may not be something we see, but youth homelessness exists in our community. The Sleep Outside event will also raise money for The Door, to help it provide programs, services, and mentorship for teens in tough places. Director James Hunt says Huntsville is in need of a better support system for our youth with respect to housing options. He says the funds raised will go towards setting up a short-term emergency housing network and a long-term housing option for youth in crisis that would also have a life skills building element.
The event starts at 10:00am in Civic Square on the 3rd, and the community is welcome to stop by to show support. Anyone who wants to know more about the fundraising aspect of the event is asked to contact Hunt at 705-789-4748.