You Can Support Sleep Out Saturday "Sleepers"

You may be surprised to learn that during the 2016-2017 school year, there were 1,794 homeless children educated in DuPage County schools. The traumas of family homelessness can cause many problems for children, as they deal with hunger, uncertainty, and difficulty staying on track in school. But you have the power to change their lives for the better during Sleep Out Saturday on Saturday, November 3. On this one night, an estimated 1,000 supporters in the community will take action against the growing family homelessness crisis. Participants from all over the western suburbs will camp outside in boxes, cars and tents on their own, with their families or in groups, and fundraise to help house homeless families working toward self-sufficiency.
Today, Bridge Communities supports 130 families each year by providing them housing for two years in addition to a wealth of support services: dedicated mentors, financial counseling, employment counseling, educational support for students, tutoring, and much more.
Last year, a record-breaking 2,241 calls were made to Bridge Communities. Of those calls, 540 families applied to the program and 39 were approved to join.

The Bridge Communities program has a proven track record:

• In 2017, 100% of Bridge graduates from the prior year were living in safe housing
• 91% of graduates were employed
• 232 children had their educational and behavioral needs assessed
• 46 children received tutoring
• 1 student was awarded a college scholarship

Please support these 'sleepers' who are in turn supporting motivated, DuPage families that have lost their homes. They could be your neighbors. Make a donation or sign up to sleep out today. Visit www.sleepoutsaturday.com to make a donation or call Chad Pedigo at 630-403-5095.