The Somerville Homeless Coalition, in cooperation with members of the Tufts community, are organizing this year’s “The Sleep Out” event to help raise consciousness about homelessness in the city.

On Friday, November 17, members of the Tufts community and the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) staff will be braving the elements and sleeping outdoors to spread awareness and support for SHC’s most vulnerable clients.

Although we will never understand the toll that hunger and homelessness have on SHC’s clients, they hopes this event  can fuel the community’s passion and desire to help our neighbors who are without a home and food. Join them on November 17 to take part from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

The event will be split into two parts: From 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. they will be hosting activities and discussions dedicated to raising awareness for SHC’s most vulnerable clients. Attending this portion of the event is a great way to support SHC and their mission if you’re not able to sleep out with us through the night. From 11: p.m. to 7:00 a.m. they will be sleeping out on Res Quad.

Register for the sleep out portion of this event by Monday, November 13, 11:59 p.m., so that they can ensure they have enough supplies for everyone. They encourage you to bring your own sleeping bags/tents.

Every year SHC hosts this event to spread awareness and support for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity ahead of the winter season. While SHC staff sleep outdoors they are asking you, our community, to spend a night in your car, backyard, couch, or anywhere that is not the comfort of your bed.

To learn more about the event and to get involved visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/SleepOut23.

By partnering in The Sleep Out, Tufts students are proud to continue their long partnership with SHC that dates back many decades. For years, Tufts students organized a fundraising dinner called, Faculty Waits On You, and the entire proceeds went to SHC.

Another constant throughout the decades has been FOCUS’ pre-orientation program in which students secured food donations for SHC’s pantry.

Additionally, in the late 2000s, Tisch College organized a 3-year community research project co-led by the SHC and a community health faculty member. This project engaged students in learning about research methods, immersing them in the Somerville community, and learning from community members and leaders. The research helped SHC to understand the population better, particularly with regard to food insecurity. One outcome was a successful fundraising drive that resulted in a new walk-in refrigerator for SHC’s food pantry so perishable foods can be properly stored.