Hillsborough County Students Camp Out for Homelessness Awareness

Homelessness Awareness Campout

• ⛺ Hundreds of high school students in Hillsborough County participated in a campout to raise awareness about homelessness.
• 🎯 The event aimed to cultivate empathy by allowing students to experience firsthand the challenges faced by homeless individuals.

Student Experiences and Perspectives

• 💡 Students reported that sleeping outdoors was uncomfortable, with one student only getting one or two hours of sleep.
• 🥶 Another student described the experience as sleeping on concrete with only a blanket, calling it "very eye opening."

Understanding Local Homelessness

• 📌 More than 4,000 students in Hillsborough County experience some form of homelessness.
• 🚗 Over 270 students report sleeping in cars or public spaces, and others may be "couch surfing" or missing school due to lack of transportation.

Fostering Empathy and Action

• 💬 Students had the opportunity to hear from speakers who were previously homeless, empowering them to reach out to struggling classmates.
• 🤝 The event encouraged students to befriend those who are quiet or less known, as they might be the ones facing difficulties, and to offer a helping hand.
• 🍫 One student shared that she now keeps granola bars in her car to give away as a result of her participation.

Community Support and Thanksgiving

• 🥫 Students brought canned goods to be distributed to families in need, contributing to community support just before Thanksgiving break.
• 🙏 The event highlighted students giving up their Friday night to understand the realities faced by many of their classmates.