12-Hour Sleep Out Event Brings Awareness to Youth Homelessness in Hillsborough County

  *Media-only event. Not open to the public.*

Hillsborough County, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2023) - Alarmingly, 4,265 students in Hillsborough County Public Schools are experiencing some form of homelessness. That's more than twice the capacity of many Hillsborough County high schools. About 270 of those students are living in a car or public space.

To raise awareness about youth homelessness, Hillsborough County Children's Services will host Camp Street Lights, a one-night sleep-out event, on Friday, Nov. 17, from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. at the Children's Services Campus located at 3191 Clay Mangum Ln., Tampa, FL 33618.

During the inaugural 12-hour program, local officials, members of community organizations, and local youth will spend the night away from the comfort of their homes to feel first-hand what it's like to be unhoused.

Homelessness can take on different forms. Some youth sleep in cars while others move from place to place. Additionally, there are large numbers of youth aging out of foster care who do not have the tools to house themselves. Camp Street Lights will educate the community about the issues these individuals face and how the community can help.

Media Availability
Who: Hillsborough County Children's Services
What: Camp Street Lights
Where: Children's Services Campus, 3191 Clay Mangum Ln., Tampa FL 33618, outside at the covered basketball court next to the administration building
When: Friday, Nov. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

During the media availability, speakers from Hillsborough County, Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, Tampa Housing Authority, Bay Area Legal Services, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and Hillsborough County Children's Services will share information on topics related to assistance for housing, free tenant legal assistance, support for students facing homelessness, and runaway prevention month.

For more information on Hillsborough County Children's Services and how to support local youth experiencing homelessness, visit HCFLGov.net/Children.