What brings 53 people together to sleep out under the stars? Or in this case, clouds and rain? One Homeless Night of course! Last Friday, participants gathered in solidarity to raise awareness about youth homelessness; they slept out to raise funds in support of The Door, so that kids can have a safe place to sleep when they feel there is no alternative.

We had a lot of fun, but we also talked about the seriousness of being a kid on your own. Homelessness has serious consequences for young people. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that when youth are unaccompanied, they are at a higher risk for physical and sexual assault, physical illness including HIV/AIDS, and mental illness. Homeless youth are at a higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide because of increased exposure to violence while living on their own. They are significantly less likely to graduate from high school, and significantly more likely to become pregnant, or to use or abuse substances.

Thankfully, for teens in need of immediate shelter in Fairbanks, there is an option.  The Door offers safe shelter to kids ages 12 – 18. We are babies in the social services world, but we proudly stand tall for the youth that stay with us, and we are honored that 53 participants, 5 sponsors, many volunteers, and numerous donors – gathered to make a difference in the lives of kids.  

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank