Aurora youth recognize homelessness with Sleep Out

In DuPage County, the average age of a homeless person is 8 years old. While this may surprise most people, the reason is quite simple.

"Most of them are families ...," said Ann Pitcher, who handles public relations for Bridge Communities, an organization that provides housing for homeless families in DuPage County.

On Saturday, more than 1,000 young people, most ages 11 to 20, will spend the night outside in the county as part of "Sleep Out Saturday," an event that raises money for Bridge Communities, giving them a firsthand look at what life is like for someone who is homeless.

"It's all four corners of DuPage County," including Aurora, Pitcher said.

The evening will kick off with an outdoor rally from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bridge Communities, 505 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. It will feature entertainment, testimonials from formerly homeless individuals, and Kevin "Koz" Koske of 101.9 FM The Mix as host.

According to Pitcher, hearing from those who are homeless is something that always hits home for the kids.

"You can hear a pin drop, because that's when they really get it," she said.

Among those participating are the members of an Aurora Cub Scout Pack led by Miguel Cordero.

"Part of the experience is to get them to sleep outside on a cold night," Cordero said. "It gives them a sense as to what it would be like to not have a home."

Cordero's Cub Scouts plan to sleep out in the soccer fields by Aurora's Oakhurst subdivision.

The boys will either sleep in cardboard boxes, tents, or even in cars, to get the true experience of someone who is homeless.

Roughly 70 people, including parents and various city officials, are expected to participate throughout the evening, which will include the viewing of videos and other information about what it is like to be homeless.

Other groups throughout DuPage County will also sleep out at various sites, including churches, homes, parks and private residences.

Some churches including Aurora's Bethany Church of Fox Valley, will use the facilities to set up an actual soup kitchen where kids will eat dinner that night.

Last year's "Sleep Out Saturday" raised more than $115,000 for Bridge Communities' programs, which also includes life-skills mentoring, an auto program, financial counseling and employment training. This year, Bridge hopes to raise $130,000.

For more information, call 630-545-0610.