Help York’s young homeless by joining our sleepout

Want to make a real difference in 2014? Then pack your sleeping bag and join us for our sponsored Sleepout on March 14 at The Homestead Park.

SASH helps vulnerable 16 to 24 year olds in York who are suddenly made homeless, providing them with a room in the home of one of our volunteers and the support they need to get back on their feet.

For some just a few nights in our Nightstop emergency scheme is enough, others need a stable environment for a little longer and might stay for a couple of years.

Young people who have just been made homeless are extremely vulnerable.

Having a safe place to stay at night can make the difference between being open to exploitation and abuse, or being able to focus on a positive future.

It’s the difference between keeping and losing a job; staying in college or dropping out. This is where SASH comes in.

Whatever their circumstances, we make sure the young person gets support they need so that their homelessness does not become the start of a downward spiral.

All our accommodation is in the homes of volunteers, so costs are kept to a minimum.

However, we need to fundraise a substantial amount to provide the support for young people that makes such a difference.

The Sleepout is our biggest single fundraiser for our work in York.

In just one night you can help us continue to support young homeless peoplein York in 2014.

Taking part is easy – just sign up for the York Sleepout on 14 March, create your online giving page and join us on the night.

• Clare Usher is the communications officer at SASH