We’re taking part in the St Albans Sleepout again on Friday 10th November and are appealing for our supporters to brave the elements for just one night to help us tackle homelessness.
Started by St Albans Abbey and Diocese in the 1990s, the Sleepout has raised hundreds of thousands for Hertfordshire homeless charities, and this year will be no exception. Emmaus Hertfordshire is among five other local charities set to benefit from the event – Centre 33, Herts Young Homeless (hyh), Open Door and The Living Room.
Being held again in Oaklands College, St Albans, the aim of the Sleepout is to raise awareness of homelessness in Hertfordshire and to come together as a community for the community. With your help, we can make the sleepout a huge success and provide vital support to vulnerable people across Hertfordshire this winter.
Our companions Adie and Robert braved the elements last year!
Last year our companions Adie and Robert were among 120 fundraisers taking part in the Sleepout at Oaklands College. Those taking part were invited to sleep outside for the night on a bed of cardboard to experience what life is like for some of the charities’ service users, while raising vital funds for the organisations involved.
Commenting on the event this year, Duncan Lewis, our Chief Executive Officer said: “We’re delighted to be part of the St Albans Sleepout again this year to increase awareness of homelessness, raise vital funds to end rough sleeping and help turn around the lives of vulnerable people with a home, work and community support.
“Please support us by taking part in the sponsored sleep-out and get a taste of the challenges homeless people experience night after night, at the mercy of the elements. Thank you for showing your solidarity for all those people around the UK for whom going home after a night of sleeping rough isn’t an option.”
Speaking after taking part in last year’s Sleepout, our companion Adie said: “It was an eye-opening event for those who have never experienced street homelessness. It was humbling to see so many participating to raise awareness about the real struggles faced by so many, who have to spend another night on the streets.”
During the pre-sleepout communal activities, companion Adie read out a moving poem focusing on the perception of homelessness entitled, ‘But for the Grace of God Go I’, written by David Whalen.
As well as representatives from local charities, residents, local groups and businesses are being invited to take part in the fundraising event, including friends and family, work colleagues, Scouts, Guides, Beavers and Brownies.
Sign up today!
Come and join us for an evening of music, entertainment, workshops, and a bit of a reality check, to see what life is like for some of our service users. This will be the most memorable thing you will do this winter!
To sign up and receive a complimentary Emmaus Survival Kit, filled with essentials to keep you going, please visit our Sleepout page.