Youth Services System, Inc. (YSS) is set to hold its annual Wheeling SleepOut event on Nov. 1, 2024, from 4 p.m. -10 p.m. on the Market Street Plaza in downtown Wheeling. The funds raised from the event go toward its Transitional Living Program (TLP), which supports youth transitioning out of foster care by securing housing, employment, education and much more.
November kicks off National Runaway and Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. Organizations across the country hold their own SleepOut event to raise awareness. YSS participates by raising awareness on the issue and the TLP through fundraising and box-building.
Each year, community members unite for a night to raise awareness of youth homelessness. Teams are created to fundraise and the groups brainstorm ideas for their boxes. This is a peer-to-peer fundraising event.
They build boxes for the Boxed-In Design Contest and are judged based on creativity, livability, and design. This year’s theme is Music: Shine a Light. Participants can build boxes based on their favorite artists, bands, instruments, etc. The options are endless.
Pam Jeffers, Residential Manager of Transitional Living, says, “The Wheeling SleepOut has meant so much to the young adults we serve in the area.” Jeffers continues, “All money donated has assisted so many with a place to live, a place to call their own.” Jeffers explains how the TLP alleviates stress and worry surrounding food and housing.
A Dine to Donate will be held on Oct. 16 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse in The Highlands. Those who dine in can show a physical or digital copy of the fundraiser flyer to their server and 10% of their check will be donated to YSS for the TLP. More information about this event can be found on the YSS Facebook page.
The registration fee is $25 and includes entry to the event, food, live entertainment, and an event t-shirt. Door prizes will be handed out throughout the night, and the top winners of the Boxed-In Design Contest will win some big prizes. To register for the event or to donate, visit the event website for more information. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the event, view our sponsorship packet on the website, or contact Elizabeth Griffith at egriffith@ysswv.com or (304) 233-9627 ext. 424.
