On March 21, advocates braved the cold and wind at a public gathering at Bronstein Park in Manchester to take a stand against youth homelessness. Together, more than 1,000 donors helped raise $320,800 — and counting — to support Waypoint’s critical services for young people experiencing homelessness across New Hampshire.
The annual SleepOut is a powerful demonstration of solidarity for young people who do not have a safe place to sleep. This year, over 150 individuals and teams spent the night at a location of choice outside in the elements, to send a clear message: Homelessness is preventable.
Throughout the night at Bronstein Park, participants walked among signs created by youth, visited a memorial table honoring young lives in NH lost to homelessness and listened as Waypoint staff read personal stories written by young people who have experienced homelessness. One of the most moving moments came when a young person, D, shared a powerful poem: “Am I just a statistic? Am I lost in the count? Am I a face without value or a soul to discount?”
Each year, Waypoint supports more than 500 youth in exiting homelessness. As the sole provider of comprehensive services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness, Waypoint staff provide early intervention and crisis support, including case management, survival aid and emergency assistance. Waypoint also operates the state’s only low-barrier 14-bed emergency youth shelter and time-limited housing, providing safe spaces and the wraparound services needed to transition into permanent housing.
“SleepOut is more than just an event; it’s a symbol of our collective commitment to ending youth homelessness in New Hampshire,” said Waypoint President and CEO Borja Alvarez de Toledo.
Waypoint’s vision is clear: to end youth homelessness in New Hampshire. Through events like SleepOut and the ongoing support of the community, Waypoint is helping young people to not only survive but thrive.
Over the past decade, SleepOut has raised $3.2 million for programs in support of young people experiencing homelessness.
