Blog

Huckleberry House offers more than shelter and meals. Known for their Teen Crisis Shelter for 12–17-year-olds, they also provide transitional housing and wraparound services to help youth find stability and plan for a brighter future. Every young person’s story is different, and at Huckleberry House, they’re met with compassion, support, and a chance to reclaim it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.