Sleep Out for Reggie

As the weather gets colder, I feel more and more sympathy for the homeless people I see on the street. A few years ago, a young homeless man named Reggie died in Des Moines, bringing much needed attention to the problem of youth homelessness. Searching for more information about the problem, I found these three shocking statistics–

  • More than 1.3 million children are homeless at some time each year in the United States.
  • 1 of every 8 kids under 18 in the U.S. will become homeless.
  • 12-17 year olds are at more risk of becoming homeless than adults are.

The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers have sponsored Reggie’s Sleepout to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth for about four years. The 2009 event will be held October 24-25 at Drake Stadium. They need volunteers of all kinds to make the event a success and raise money to help kids who don’t have a place to live. Your group can volunteer to help organize or can get pledges and sleep out. Download more information about how Chrysalis After-School groups can help–Volunteer Opps Reggies Sleepout.

Participants at the sleepout make boxes into temporary shelters, listen to live music, play games and eat. If you’re interested in finding out more and volunteering, go to ReggiesSleepout.org.

Reader interactions

2 Replies to “Sleep Out for Reggie”

  1. What a great cause. I’ll help spread the word about the Sleepout.

  2. Ariana F3rgus0n October 27, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    This was r3ally gr3at g3tting t0 h3lp th3 hom3l3ss p30pl3 that ar3 hom3l3ss i w3nt t0 th3 reggie sl33p 0ut t0 h3lp th3 hom3l3ss such a g00d caus3!!! 🙂

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