Community Corner
Five Groups in Wheaton Experience Homelessness Right in Their 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. Five groups in Wheaton will be participating in the event, including: Gary United Methodist Church, St. Matthew UCC, Wheaton, St. Michael Catholic Church, Team Draw Roftiyap and Wheaton Warrenville South Outreach.
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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.
