Community Corner
Group in Geneva Experiences Homelessness Right in its Own Backyard
On November 1st, an estimated 2,000 Sleep Out Saturday sleepers will raise money for homeless families in DuPage County
A person earning minimum wage would need to work 89 hours per week to afford rent in DuPage County. And, among the more than 71,000 DuPage residents who live in poverty, an estimated 625 have become homeless this year. Sadly, many of the victims of homelessness are young children. The average age of a homeless person in DuPage County is eight.
These facts explain why Bridge Communities is planning the 11th annual Sleep Out Saturday -- to raise money for housing and other programs for homeless families.
On Saturday, November 1, an estimated 2,000 youth and adults will get a glimpse of what it might feel like to be homeless by spending the night outside in the cold during Sleep Out Saturday. The St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva, Illinois will be participating in the event.
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Themed “It’s Time to Do Something,” this year’s event will feature approximately 75 outdoor sleep out sites, including backyards and parking lots in which participants will sleep in boxes, tents and cars.
Sleep Out Saturday will kick off with an outdoor rally in downtown Glen Ellyn (505 Crescent Blvd.) at 7 pm. The free rally is open to the public and will feature music, video, and live testimonials from Bridge Communities clients.
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Since its first event in 2003, over 10,000 people have slept out to help homeless families, raising more than one million dollars to date. The organization’s services provide approximately two years of housing, life-skills mentoring, financial counseling, employment training, tutoring and an auto repair and donation program. With client families having an even harder time maintaining employment and making ends meet, Bridge Communities continues to increase the services it provides.
Everyone is invited to participate in Sleep Out Saturday or to make a contribution. Call (630) 545-0610 ext. 19 or visit www.SleepOutSaturday.org.
About Bridge Communities
Bridge Communities’ program consists of transitional housing, mentoring and supportive services empowers the families to increase life skills and earning power to promote self-sufficiency, sustain permanent housing, and to break the cycle of poverty within the family unit. We have changed the lives of over 600 families. For more information visit www.BridgeCommunities.org or contact Amy at (630) 545-0610, ext. 12.
