(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

VIENNA — The Children’s Home Society will hold its 10th annual Parkersburg Sleep Out on Oct. 4-5 at Jackson Park ball fields in Vienna.

The event is in support of the society’s youth housing programs.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Oct. 4, community members, as well as youth and staff from the Children’s Home Society of WV Transitional Living Program will spend the night away from the comfort of their homes to raise awareness and funds for youth facing homelessness.

Sleep Out participants are not pretending to be homeless. Their night outside is an act of solidarity with the over 4.2 million young people who experienced homelessness over the past year. Organizers said the event is a visible way of recognizing the issue of youth homelessness and sending a message that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

In West Virginia in 2024, according to the McKinney-Vento Kids Count, 15,346 young people qualified as unaccompanied, un-sheltered, or living in substandard conditions.

As part of the CHS’s awareness and activities, Sleep Out teams create a cardboard shelter with minimal resources. That gives participants a small glimpse of the creativity and planning it takes to create a temporary space to stay out of the elements.

In addition to the boxed-in contest, beginning at 4 p.m. this year’s entertainment lineup will feature: Moon King, Todd Burge, Thrill the World Dancers, and Cre8tive Cosplay; as well as food, games, and a basket auction.

The cost for teams is $25 per person, and all team members will receive free food and drinks, as well as a complimentary t-shirt. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the best boxed-in theme designs, and for top fundraiser. The gaming tent and entertainment are free to the public.

All proceeds raised from this event are used locally to provide housing, life skills training, and wrap-around support for youth in Wood County. For more information on sponsorship, or to register a team, visit the website at https://childhswv.org/10-annual-parkersburg-sleepout/.