Vancouver mothers, daughters to ‘sleep out’ so homeless youth don’t have to
Posted May 30, 2019 6:48 am.
Last Updated May 30, 2019 7:11 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A warm, safe bed may be something that many people are used to, but for a large number of youth in Vancouver, it’s seen as a luxury.
In an effort to support those youth, Covenant House Vancouver is holding its Mothers and Daughters edition of the Sleep Out to raise awareness and money for its outreach programs.
Fifty-five local mothers and daughters are taking part in this edition of the movement.
Held across Canada and the U.S., it sees people of all ages and backgrounds try to raise critical funds to help support Covenant House and its work to help youth who may face many cold, lonely nights until they find their way through the organization’s doors.
Equipped with only a sleeping bag, toque, and a piece of cardboard, participants in the sleep out take to the street to spend a night outside in solidarity with those youth who may be struggling.
Hey everyone! Just one more day before @HanaMaeNassar and I take part in the @CovenantHouseBC Sleep Out Vancouver to help raise money for homeless youth. Please help us help others by making a donation.
LINK: https://t.co/EoQV4A1OUv
Thank you! pic.twitter.com/n2cuQ6uXUI— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) May 28, 2019
According to Covenant House, there are between 500 and 1,000 young people living on the streets of Vancouver on any given night. They’re found in all parts of the city, including areas considered dangerous.
“Sexual exploitation, drug abuse, poverty and illness are commonplace,” the group says on its website.
Many of these young people have left an unsafe situation, only to find themselves in another one on the streets of the city.
Covenant House provides various services, including nutritious meals, programs at its drop-in centre, mental health and addiction supports, as well as a residential crisis program.
This year’s goal is to raise $175,000 for the outreach program, which sends youth workers out onto the streets to make contact with young people. Through their contact, these workers can provide emergency assistance, as well as build a relationship with someone who may be feeling alone.
NEWS 1130’s Lasia Kretzel and Hana Mae Nassar will be taking part in the Covenant House Mothers and Daughters edition on Thursday, May 30th.
A little can go a long way. If you’d like to donate, click here.
