The Spectrum Sleep Out

We don't ask participants to pretend to be homeless. Instead, we as them to sleep out in solidarity with young people who are. People who particpate often comment on how powerful it is to realize that the experience - of the cold, the lights, the noise, the hard ground - is only a very small taste of what it is like to not just have to live outside, but also go to your job or school on little sleep, with no warm showers, clean clothes, or a full stomach.

In addition, the Sleep Out is a fundraiser. Federal and state funding only cover 30% of the cost for Spectrum's housing and drop-in centers. The other 70% comes from individuals like you fundraising and donating to make sure our doors are open for the next youth who needs help. The Sleep Out is key to making sure young people are housed.

Lastly, when the youth who live with us see folks sleeping outside during the Sleep Out, they are often surprised and moved that people care enough to do this for them. One person wrote to us: "I hope that you get a ton of support through this Sleep Out. As one who has been there, the fact that people are willing to show support to these homeless teens gives them Hope. Someone cares! About them! When you are homeless you do not think that anybody ever even thinks about you, not for one second."

As one youth put it: "Thank you for sleeping out so that I don't have to."

It’s easy! Register yourself or your team and start asking friends and family to donate to your page. Fundraising can happen at any time, though we always encourage you to start early.

Burlington & St. Albans: You’ll arrive around 9:30pm for our brief program and welcome. Then we’ll take some photos, and head to bed! Most folks grab a coffee and snack for the road by 7am.

We provide a tented area (no side walls) with ground cover and cardboard boxes, and security by Chocolate Thunder. We have hot water and restrooms available and overnight staff and volunteers to assist you.

Student Sleep Outs: Each school or organization does it a little differently. Most start in the early evening, and might include activities or a gathering. Check out our Student Sleep Out Toolkit for more information and suggestions.

We ask for your best effort to make a difference for teens and young adults in our community. If you don't make your goal, we want you to still Sleep Out!

Hint: Sometimes asking for a small amount (such as $10 or $25) from family and friends is a quick and easy way to start.

Suggested Goals:
Corporate Teams: $2,000 per person
Adults/Individuals: $750
Students: $25

• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, extra blankets
• Hat, scarf, face cover, mittens/gloves
• Plenty of warm layers
• Warm socks and winter boots
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Hand/toe warmers
• Thermos/water bottle and snacks
• Ear plugs
• Journal and pen to document your experience

Burlington and St. Albans Sleep Outs: We provide one large event tent with open sides for folks to sleep under, along with a tarp and cardboard.

Student Sleep Outs: Each team is different. Check with your captain around plans for tents.

• Make it emotional. Why are YOU sleeping out?
• Make it personal. Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers.
• Make it shareable. If someone can’t donate, perhaps they can share your page with others who can!
• Hint: Sometimes asking for a small amount (such as $10 or $25) from family and friends is a quick and easy way to start.
• Print and fill out the I’m Sleeping Out Because… poster, take a selfie with it, and share as you fundraise. (Be sure to share it with us, too!)
• Use our I'm Sleeping Out profile photo for social media.

About Spectrum Fact Sheet
2024 Student Sleep Out Toolkit
How to set up your fundraising page on Classy, our new website platform

Event Logos

• 2024 Sleep Out Logo
• 2024 Student Sleep Out Logo
• 2024 Burlington Sleep Out Logo
• 2024 St. Albans Sleep Out Logo