Waypoint’s SleepOut supports youth homelessness efforts
ROCHESTER – Once a somewhat invisible challenge, youth homelessness across the state including in Dover, Rochester and Somersworth has become a growing concern. On March 29, Waypoint is hosting the 10th anniversary SleepOut in Rochester to raise awareness for young people experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire. This event, along with ones in Manchester and Concord, will bring together people from around the Granite State to raise collective consciousness about homelessness and to be in unity with young people who have no choice but to sleep outside in communities all over New Hampshire every night.
“Waypoint continues to respond to community needs and SleepOut is directly supporting and addressing youth and young adult homelessness in the Tri-Cities region,” said Mandy Lancaster, director of Waypoint’s Runaway and Homeless Youth department. “We know that if we truly want to end youth and young adult homelessness, we must have enough prevention and intervention services so they can swiftly access safe shelter and further supports to minimize the number of days on the streets or in their cars. We believe that ending youth homelessness is possible with sufficient resources so we can be proactive.”
The SleepOut is an annual overnight experiential fundraiser that addresses critical needs for young people and supports Waypoint’s services, including the state’s only low barrier emergency young adult shelter and Youth Resource Center in Manchester and resource centers in Concord and Rochester.
“SleepOut is our opportunity to stand in solidarity with youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, generate awareness and collective consciousness, and raise funds to address critical needs to help transform lives,” said Lancaster.
As the sole provider of comprehensive services for young people at risk for or experiencing homelessness, Waypoint offers resources for a safe night’s sleep and support for the future. The 14bed shelter in Manchester is a safe space dedicated to young people between the ages of 18 and 24 with services tailored to their unique developmental needs and individualized care. Waypoint also provides runaway and homeless youth prevention and street outreach, transitional housing and rapid rehousing services.
Lizzie is a young person who has been struggling with homelessness and displacement since she was seven. After her father was incarcerated, she moved through several foster homes and group homes until she aged out and was on her own.
“I’ve been homeless for three years,” said Lizzie, who walked into Waypoint’s Emergency Shelter the first night it opened. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, and I really just want a safe place to have a bed.”
Lizzie is one of the estimated 15,000 young people in the Granite State that will experience some form of homelessness this year. And at least 70 percent of these people will not have the option to return to a safe and stable home.
In-person SleepOuts will take place in Manchester, Concord, and Rochester and individuals can virtually sleep out at other locations of their choice. Individual and corporate donations to SleepOut can be made at WaypointNH.org.
Over the past 10 years, SleepOut has raised $2.5 million for young people experiencing homelessness. Donations of any size can make a difference in the lives of young people. A donation of just $30 can pay for necessary documents like a non-driver’s ID and $100 can provide dinner for 10 young people in Waypoint’s shelter.
Information: WaypointNH.org