The Spectrum Sleep Out

Burlington Sleep Out:
Thursday, March 20, 2025

St. Albans Sleep Out:
Thursday, March 27, 2025

Student Sleep Outs:
March-April (team chooses date and location).

Check back in January to register!

Thank you to our sponsors!

If you're interested in sponsoring this event, please contact us at events@spectrumvt.org.

About This Event

About the Sleep Out

Join us for the 14th Annual Sleep Out!  Whether you’re on your own or forming a team, it’s never been easier—or more important—to Sleep Out in solidarity with youth facing homelessness. Our event expenses are so low that 98% of every dollar raised goes directly to funding our programs and services.

Thursday, March 20: The Burlington Sleep Out at the First Universalist Unitarian Church (adults)

Thursday, March 27: The St. Albans Sleep Out at Taylor Park (adults)

March-April: Student Sleep Outs at your own locations on the night of your choosing

Thank you for making sure we are here for the next youth who arrives at our doorstep in need of a hot meal, a roof over their head, or help carving out a future for themselves.

Ready to join us? Click here to register or donate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does pretending to be homeless help teens and young adults who actually are?

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."

How does it work?

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.

How do I organize a team for Burlington or St. Albans?

We take care of most of the logistics. You just need to register yourself as the team captain and recruit teammates to join in. Contact Charlotte at events@spectrumvt.org if you would like more information on how to get started.

How do I organize a Student Sleep Out?

We'll help you organize a Student Sleep Out on the date and at the location of your choosing! Check out our Student Sleep Out Toolkit and/or contact Charlotte at events@spectrumvt.org if you would like more information on how to get started.

What are the suggested fundraising goals?

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

What should I bring?

Here is our suggested list of things to bring with you:
  • 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

Should I bring a tent?

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.

How do I fundraise?

  • 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.
Questions? Contact Charlotte Steverson at 802-864-7423 x330 or events@spectrumvt.org