Event to focus on homelessness

For the sixth year in a row, DuPage County young adults will sleep outside during "Sleep Out Saturday," a Nov. 7 fundraiser that serves to focus attention on homelessness.

Approximately 2,000 teens, young adults and families will spend the night outside in tents, boxes or cars to raise money for Bridge Communities, an organization that provides housing for homeless families in DuPage County.

The all-night event will be held in hundreds of backyards, parking lots and parks.

Last year's event 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 Communities hopes to raise $130,000.

"Sleep Out Saturday" will kick off with an outdoor rally at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 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.

The money raised is even more important during this tough economy, Bridge Communities officials said. With clients having an even harder time staying employed and making ends meet, Bridge Communities has increased the support it provides to them.

For example, the emergency funding allotment and childcare subsidy have been increased, employment training is more intense and each family now receives a computer and wireless Internet service.

Many, including "sleepers" and event supporters, are surprised to learn that there is a homelessness issue in DuPage County, according to Bridge Communities officials.

"Homeless families can look just like our next door neighbors," said Bridge Communities co-founder Bob Wahlgren. "We are sometimes the only hope for ordinary, low- to moderate-income families who were just one paycheck away from losing their home."

For more information on "Sleep Out Saturday," to participate or to sponsor a "sleeper," call 630-545-0610 or go to www.sleepoutsaturday.org.