For the past four years, SleepOut for Shelter has helped raise awareness and much-needed funds for homeless services through McHenry County PADS, a program of Pioneer Center for Human Services. Pioneer Center is pleased to announce that registration is now open for this year’s event at http://www.sleepoutforshelter.org. Living Waters Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake will once again host SleepOut for Shelter on Saturday, May 10.
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED—Register, Sponsor or Fundraise Register to sleep out and become a fundraiser for the event. By registering, you’ll have access to your own fundraising page to collect donations from family, friends and colleagues. If you can’t sleep out, don’t worry! You can still support the event by sponsoring a participant or by simply collecting donations for McHenry County PADS.
The evening kick-offs with a one hour rally hosted by Star 105.5FM that includes a dance party, cookout, “shelter” box-building competition and more. After the rally, participants spend the night outside in tents, boxes or cars at the official SleepOut for Shelter headquarters. Participants can also go elsewhere to spend the night, like a backyard, a school gym or football field, or a church basement. Last year, the event drew more than 600 participants at over nine locations and raised over $70,000. To register today or learn more, visit www.sleepoutforshelter.com or call Laurie Bivona at (815) 759-7050.
Homelessness is growing and we need to act now! Since 2009, McHenry County PADS has seen a 51% increase in people needs services. Register today for SleepOut for Shelter and make a difference in someone’s life! This event is brought to you by Sage Products, Inc. with additional support from Bulk Lift International, Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, Northwest Herald, RFP Photography, Donald E. Lewis Family Fund, INTREN, Star105.5, CL Graphics, Alliance Contractors, Inc., Astro Craft, Inc., Beth & Rudnicki Insurance Agency, TWOS Sales and xamin.
About Homeless Services Through McHenry County PADS
McHenry County PADS, a program of Pioneer Center for Human Services, helps people find their way back from homelessness. It offers emergency and transitional housing coupled with support services in order to help homeless individuals work toward becoming self-sufficient. These support services enable individuals to receive case management, job training, counseling and psychiatric services, as well as day-to-day services including access to showers, laundry facilities, transportation, computers and an address at which to receive mail. The program is specifically designed to address the root causes of homelessness and not just treat the symptoms.