the challenge

Homelessness in America has increased sharply in the last several years. According to a recent report, approximately 3.5 million Americans, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year. One federal report shows a 40% increase in the number of juveniles living on their own last year.

Spectrum Youth & Family Services is Vermont’s largest provider of supportive housing and services for homeless teens and young adults, and has been helping at-risk youth for more than 42 years.

the event

Spectrum’s Solidarity Sleep Out will assemble over 40 business and community leaders to help raise awareness of youth homelessness and increase funds to ensure that homeless youth have a safe, stable place to stay.

On March 29, 2012 we'll gather at Spectrum’s Drop-in Center on Pearl Street to share a meal and hear comments from staff. Then participants will proceed to the grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Society to sleep out for the night. The next morning, leaders will convene for a light breakfast and press conference. Participants will ask their friends and families to sponsor them in their effort to help mitigate youth homelessness.

how you can help
If you are a business or community leader and would like to join us in this event, please contact Monica Taylor at mtaylor@spectrumvt.org or call 864-7423 x330. Or, help us spread the word and sponsor a participant. By coming together as a community, we can fight youth homelessness in Vermont.

 
In the meantime, learn how Spectrum helps homeless youth
transition to safe, stable, and independent housing.