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“Still Somebody” Sleep Out
Homelessness is a global challenge. The United Nations estimates that 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing, while more than 100 million people have no housing at all. Homelessness is growing in many parts of the world, occurs in all countries, and has severe negative impacts on individuals and on communities.
The Westcourt Centre in Belfast is part of the global Edmund Rice family, and has been working to support people affected by homelessness through the ‘Still Somebody – Voices for Change’ initiative since 2010. Now, in partnership with St. Thomas More Collegiate in Burnaby, BC, Canada and the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America network, we would like to invite our schools from around the world to join us in holding a ‘Sleep Out’ anytime between 15th - 24th November 2024.
We call upon students who are committed to making a difference to unite for a common cause. For one night, we invite you to step out of your comfort zone, and sleep under the stars to raise awareness and vital funds (where possible) to combat homelessness and poverty.
We want to show our solidarity with the ever-growing population of young people who face homelessness. Youth homelessness is a pressing issue worldwide that requires urgent attention.
Sleeping Out is not about pretending to be homeless. It does, however, provide a small glimpse into this reality. Spending a night away from the comfort, security and safety of your own bed will likely leave you feeling uncomfortable and tired. You realise how hard it is to go to school and manage your life.
High school students participate in a sleepout. Credit: nsnews.com
The Sleep Out is not just an event, it’s a statement and it will send a powerful message.
The Sleep Out is not just an event, it’s a statement and it will send a powerful message.
Our aim is to have participation in each of the 5 continents where there are Edmund Rice schools, and to date we have commitments from Canada, the United States, Ireland, England, South Africa and Australia.
We want to encourage our friends and colleagues to think globally and act locally. Every single person taking part and raising money will make a difference to the lives of people in their own area impacted by homelessness and poverty.
All schools will be provided with a Homeless Awareness Action Plan and an info sheet to help arrange a Sleep Out in your own space.
The “Still Somebody” Sleep Out is taking place around the same time as that of the Celtic FC Foundation’s annual Sleep Out events. Celtic Football Club is one of the world’s iconic soccer clubs and the purpose of the Celtic FC Foundation is Football For Good. Each year many fans take part in Sleep Out events across different locations, as part of the annual Christmas Appeal.
There are striking parallels between the stories of Celtic Football Club, founded by the Marist Brother Walfrid to raise funds to feed poor Irish immigrant children in the East End of Glasgow, and that of Blessed Edmund Rice, establishing schools for impoverished young people in Waterford to provide dignity through education.
Celtic has an estimated worldwide fanbase of around nine million people with over 800 supporters clubs in 60 countries. The Edmund Rice network meanwhile has over 280 schools and 200,000 students in more than 20 countries. And particularly in Europe, North America and Australia, many Celtic fans are Edmund Rice students and alumni. By connecting the two, we hope to raise the profile of the event and reach a much greater audience for the issue.
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