Join Edmund Rice Schools from around the world for a week of building awareness, taking action, and advocating to end homelessness.
“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 Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Schools around the global network, we would like to invite our North American schools from around the world to join us in participating in this week by holding a ‘Sleep Out’ anytime between 17-28 November 2025.
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.
Past Projects
Campaigns organized by ERCBNA schools during past Homelessness Awareness Weeks
Iona Prep, New York
Students hosted a homelessness awareness night and sleep out that was featured on local News12 Westchester.
St. Thomas More, Canada
Students created a video documentary that included student, community, and non profit voices highlighting the issue of homelessness in Vancouver. Click here to see a clip of their documentary.
St. Laurence, Illinois
Students participated in a sleepout event, where the school community learned about the issue of homelessness, created meals for those in need, and slept out on the football field in a display of solidarity. Click here to see a video of their campaign.
We call upon students who are committed to making a difference to unite for a common cause. Youth homelessness is a pressing issue worldwide that requires urgent attention.