MANCHESTER – The Waypoint 2020 SleepOut to raise awareness and funds to aid New Hampshire’s homeless youth was held this past Friday and Saturday.
This year, in response to the coronavirus, the event was changed from community gatherings under open air tents in downtown Manchester and Exeter, to a virtual sleepout. Approximately 120 participants slept out at home while their fundraising campaigns continued online, and sleepers shared photos on social media using the hashtag #NoRestUntil.
Gov. Chris Sununu, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, Congressman Chris Pappas, and Senator Maggie Hassan were among those who participated in and supported the event remotely this year.
Jeff Seifert, regional VP of TD Bank, sleeps out from afar during Waypoint’s virtual SleepOut 2020.
So far, the 2020 SleepOut has raised over $340,000 to help sustain and expand Waypoint’s critical services to young people experiencing homelessness, including street outreach, basic needs relief, crisis care, and transitional housing.
“In the midst of a pandemic, homeless youth are at greater risk than ever,” says Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint.
“While we have
modified the way in which we are delivering services, in accordance with best
prevention practices, we are still serving as a lifeline to them, and to all
the populations we serve in their time of need. We are beyond grateful to
live in a community that cares so much and stays on mission, helping one
another through even the most challenging times.”
For further
information or to support Waypoint as it serves people in need throughout New
Hampshire: www.waypointnh.org<http://www.waypointnh.org>.
SleepOut 2020 was
sponsored in part by PROCON, Bank of America, Velcro USA, TD Charitable
Foundation, Exeter Hospital, M & T Bank, Prime Source Foods, Rockport
Mortgage, and Rock 101.