On Jan. 28^, about 70 youth from different faith-based communities throughout Middlesex County participated in the 3^rd Annual Homelessness Awareness Sleep-out at South Congregation Church in Middletown.  This event, supported by the Middlesex County Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, is an effort to educate youth about the issue of homelessness and inspire them to take action.    

The education came in the form of workshops and presentations throughout the evening to increase students’ knowledge about our county’s Ten Year Plan and the many reasons why someone might find themselves homeless, and if so, the difficult choices they may be forced to make to survive. 

What seemed to most inspire the youth were presentations by several members of LEADers, a group of homeless or formerly homeless individuals who are part of MCCHH and who share their personal stories to help raise awareness about the realities of homelessness. 

Their stories were different, yet all were powerful and made an impact on the students. The youth were surprised to hear that some of the LEADers attended college, had careers, even had owned their own homes. Many of the youth stated that the LEADers did not fit the typical stereotypes about the homeless. Several commented about the bravery these individuals exhibited by telling their stories to such a large group of strangers. 

After a meager meal of soup and bread, the “action” portion of the program occured.  Most of the youth slept outside the entire night in sleeping bags and/or cardboard boxes, either at South Church or at a church in their local community. Ten churches in all hosted youth that evening.

It turned out not to be the coldest night of the year. But believe me, by 4 a.m. those kids were chilled to the bone and felt numb in their extremities. While this represented just one night in their lives and it is something they did by choice and not out of necessity, the experience provided youth with a glimpse of what it might be like to be homeless and most definitely raised their level of awareness. 

I think this experience not only opened their eyes to the plight of homelessness, but also opened their hearts.  They chose to be involved that evening over any number of other activities that they could have been doing. Instead of hanging out with friends, watching television in their warm homes, or having a nice home cooked meal, they demonstrated a tremendous amount of leadership. 

The actions of these young advocates is one example of how to Live United through our call to action at Middlesex United Way, “Give. Advocate. Volunteer.”

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