Sleep Out Saturday fundraiser for homeless accepts text donations

It’s easier than ever to support Sleep Out Saturday, the annual event that Bridge Communities holds to raise awareness and funds to help homeless families in DuPage County.

To support this year’s event, which will be held Nov. 5, donate $10 by texting “Bridge” to 20222 using a mobile phone. The charge will appear on the user’s phone bill.

“Just imagine the number of families we could help if every cellphone owner in DuPage County donated just $10 to Sleep Out Saturday,” said Jennie Gates, event manager at Bridge Communities.

“It’s mind-boggling, not only the need that exists right here in our community, but also how easy it is to make a change in the lives of families who need our help.”

A one-night survey conducted by DuPage County illustrated that on Jan. 27, 676 people received shelter, including 124 families. Bridge Communities aids more than 100 homeless DuPage families a year, providing housing, mentoring, counseling, job coaching and more through its Transitional Housing Program. It costs $25 to provide one night of housing and services to a Bridge Communities client family.

Sleep Out Saturday is Bridge Communities’ largest fundraiser. More than 1,500 people sleep out in cars, boxes and tents to experience what it’s like to be homeless on a chilly autumn night. Last year, Sleep Out Saturday raised more than $120,000 for Bridge’s Transitional Housing Program.

For details or to donate more than $10, contact www.sleepoutsaturday.org.

Bridge Communities is a grass-roots, nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families in DuPage County through partnering with talented, resourceful individuals and groups in our community. Its program of transitional housing, mentoring and supportive services empowers families to increase life skills and earning power to promote self-sufficiency, sustain permanent housing and break the cycle of poverty within the family unit.