Every year in Boulder, Colorado, hundreds of people commit to sleeping outside for one night to bring attention to the hundreds of young people experiencing homelessness. Hosted by TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes), the annual Sleep Out raises money for programs to end youth homelessness.
When & Where:
The Sleep Out takes place on 9/21-9/22, from 6pm-7am. Folks are invited to bring their sleeping bags, pads, and other supplies and meet at TGTHR headquarters – 1421 Spruce Street. Enjoy dinner, a program from TGTHR, and music until 9pm, after which everyone makes camp for the night outdoors. The Sleep Out concludes with breakfast at 6am. For a full schedule of events, check this out.
What Happens?
To keep participants safe, TGTHR ensures that this event is legal and secure. The organization provides facilities and a designated area to sleep. Participants are responsible for their own warmth and comfort level, so pack accordingly and bring a backpack with extra layers, applicable medicines, water, and snacks. For those doing virtual sleepouts, choose a safe, secure, and legal place. Chat with city officials or designate a friend’s yard to bring everyone together to sleep outside.
Fundraise & Increase Awareness:
Sleeping out is more than just about walking (or snoozing) for a night to gain perspective – it’s also about raising money and awareness. Invite friends to donate to your “sleep out” on your personal fundraising page, or set one up to raise money for TGTHR’s vital projects and programs if you can’t Sleep Out yourself.
Not local to Boulder? Participate in the virtual sleep out from your home. Invite friends, coworkers, neighbors, or family to join in and host your own. TGTHR makes it easy. Contact the staff and use the “sleeper toolkit” to set up your own “sleep out” in your area.
Why Sleep Out?
Homelessness affects approximately 4.2 million young people each year. Many identify as LGBTQ+, experience rejection, and are kicked out of their homes (the #1 contributing factor to youth homelessness). Within two days of leaving home, 30% of youth will be recruited for human trafficking. There are so many reasons to sleep out to combat youth homelessness. TGTHR’s programs work with young individuals to move them into affordable homes, set them up with jobs, and on a healthier, safer trajectory. Check out what past sleep outs have looked like here, and consider signing up to sleep, donate to a sleeper, or fundraise yourself.
This wonderful event brings Boulderites together for a new experience and raises awareness about critical issues affecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to help.