Why Emily Kennedy is Sleeping Outside

In August of 2019, when I was 15 years old I experienced homelessness for the first time.

From ages 15-17 my reality was many nights sleeping on couches whenever I could, sometimes it would be friends of friends or almost complete strangers, I’ve spent many nights sleeping on the floor of community centres that host emergency warm shelter in the winter, with no access to pillows, blankets or even a sleeping mat, many times I’ve spent nights wandering the streets in hopes of finding a space safe enough to rest, thankfully I was also able to gain access to various youth shelters where I had the opportunity to have a warm shower or a comfy bed to sleep in.

It took one good youth worker to invest in the journey with me to change my life. Which is what my goal is being here at Lifeteams School.

For many youth facing homelessness having a reliable safe space to sleep is not a reality in their daily life. In my time of homelessness and as a youth worker I have encountered hundreds upon hundreds of other youth who face the same epidemic. No youth should ever have to face those feelings of loneliness, danger and uncertainty, that’s why on November 15th I’ll be sleeping outside to raise awareness to the harsh realities that many of our youth face today.

If you are able please consider making a donation and keeping the cause and youth affected by homelessness in your prayers.