.png){kind=small}
Blog
May 29, 2026
Give Hope. Change a Life. Sleep Out.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Guest Blog by The Wilder Family
Since 2024, The Wilder Family has attended Sleep Out, showing their support for young people experiencing homelessness and the mission of Huckleberry House. As passionate advocates for both the organization and the impact of Sleep Out, Chad, Katrina, and Braxton join us once again this year as members of our Host Committee!
No child should have to wonder where they will sleep tonight. No child should have to search for safety, for trust, or for someone who truly cares.
And yet, right here in our own community, too many children face that reality every single day.
The youth served by Huckleberry House, ages 12 to 17, are not there because of their own choices, but because the environments meant to protect them no longer can. In moments defined by fear, uncertainty, and isolation, Huckleberry House becomes more than a shelter—it becomes a lifeline.
They provide safety. They restore trust. And most importantly, they give children something many have lost: hope.
Hope that their story isn’t over.
Hope that tomorrow can be different.
Hope that someone is standing beside them.
For our family, this mission is deeply personal. That’s why the Wilder family is honored to serve on the host committee for the 2026 Sleep Out. This experience is more than just a single night—it’s an opportunity to build awareness, foster empathy, and spark meaningful conversations within our own home and community.
Spending a night outside, even by choice, offers a small glimpse into the discomfort and uncertainty these young people endure. It also creates space for connection—reminding our own children of the security they have, while helping them better understand the importance of compassion, gratitude, and action.
Your support can provide a safe place to sleep, a warm meal, and the care every child deserves. Even more powerful, it can help rewrite the future for a young person in need.
We invite you to join us—whether by participating in the Sleep Out, supporting the cause, or simply sharing the message. Together, we can ensure that no child has to face the world alone.
Donate. Share. Make a difference.
7 Things to Know About Sleep Out
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Guest Blog by Brenda Ochoa
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
After attending the event for the first time in 2024, she became a fierce advocate for the event and Huckleberry House, joining our 2025 Host Committee!
2024 was my first year participating in Sleep Out, and honestly, I hadn’t heard of Huckleberry House until just a month or two before. I first heard through my company, Colliers Columbus, when they invited employees to join a team. I was curious and signed up, not realizing how deeply the experience would affect me.
I missed an info session at work, but soon after, an esteemed industry colleague, Mykle, invited me to coffee. She shared her personal connection to Huckleberry House, a story that’s not mine to tell, but one that moved me. Her vulnerability helped me understand why places like Huckleberry House are essential. After that conversation, Sleep Out wasn’t just an event; it became something much more meaningful.
Here are seven things I wish I had known before Sleep Out, and some I learned along the way:
Before settling in for the night, everyone gathers for an hour of education and reflection, including a panel with community members working to end youth homelessness. Last year, one of the most powerful moments was hearing from a former Huckleberry House client who overcame homelessness, regained custody of her sister, and built a new life. This program isn’t just informative, it’s grounding. Hearing directly from those doing the work and those who’ve experienced homelessness will give you so much to reflect on as you prepare for the night ahead.
3) A Sense of Community
Sleep Out brings together families, individuals, and teams from all walks of life, united by a common goal: to uplift young people in our community. Sleeping outside with only what you can carry offers a small but powerful glimpse into the harsh reality that challenges vulnerable youth face every day. That shared discomfort creates an unexpected connection filled with a sense of purpose and a reminder of the strength we have when we work together – something that lingers long after morning.
4) Team Bonding
If you’re considering joining with coworkers or your team, do it! During last year’s Sleep Out, I was new at my company and still finding my place. That changed in one night. Colleagues from six different departments showed up and experienced something together far more meaningful than any happy hour could offer. It reminded me of the power of purpose-driven teamwork, and to this day, I have a deeper appreciation for the people I work with every day.
5) Grass or Concrete
The last time I slept outside was when I was young – I didn’t even own a sleeping bag! So, I borrowed one from a friend (thank you, Lindsay!). Meanwhile, others came prepared with plastic tarps and mats to place under their sleeping bags. I simply didn’t know better, just as many young people facing homelessness likely wouldn’t either, nor have the resources to them.
My team and I chose to sleep on the grass, which was dry at the time. But as the night wore on, the air turned damp, and by 2am, I woke up soaked. The temperature had dropped to 50 degrees. People were walking by after a night out (loud & unaware), and it felt like the train came by every hour, trembling the ground and sounding its horn. For a moment, I thought about going home. But then it hit me, this experience wasn’t supposed to be comfortable. I lay there on my back, staring into the darkness, trying to process how this was the reality for so many vulnerable youth in our community. That moment changed me. It gave me a deeper understanding and a deeper resolve to be part of the change.
6) There’s a Safe Space
If you need a break, an indoor area is available with seating, restrooms, snacks, and drinks. People come and go throughout the night; it’s there if you need to warm up, rest, or talk without disturbing others.
7) Time to Reflect
As daylight peaks, there’s one last thing to do: reflect on the night spent outside. While I felt the weight of my experience during the night, I didn’t fully grasp the experience until I walked through my front door and felt the warmth and comfort of home. That simple moment, stepping into a safe space, lying in a warm bed, and knowing I had the support of family and friends, hit me deeply. It reminded me how fortunate I am and how easy it is to take these things for granted.
As I reflected on what I had experienced, I felt a powerful connection to the small glimpse of homelessness I had just encountered. I also felt a strong responsibility to support Huckleberry House, to share its mission, and to speak up for those who don’t have a voice. Participating in Sleep Out changed me. It opened my eyes to the realities of homelessness in our community and made me more aware, more compassionate, and more committed to thoughtful action.
Lastly, it reminded me that we’re all on our own journeys, often carrying burdens others can’t see. But, a little kindness and meaningful support go a long way, especially at a place like Huckleberry House.
Sleep Out is more than one night outside. It’s a powerful glimpse into the lives of youth facing homelessness, and a call to action.
Whether you’re a returning past participant or just learning about it this year, I hope this sparks something in you. If you can’t Sleep Out, there are still meaningful ways to take meaningful action: donate, volunteer, or share the message.
Together, we can ensure no young person faces homelessness alone.
With gratitude,
Brenda
