Team Splash (Courtesy photo)

MANCHESTER – Waypoint’s SleepOut 2021, held March 26, raised over $350,000, and counting, to aid homeless youth and get another step closer to ending youth homelessness in New Hampshire.

In response to the coronavirus, the event was held remotely; 179 people from across the state slept in their own backyards and conducted their fundraising campaigns online. Sleepers came together in a virtual capacity in a livestream event that featured Governor Chris Sununu, Congressman Chris Pappas, Congresswoman Annie Kuster, and Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen. The presentation also included community partners, Waypoint staff and clientele, and revealed the agency’s plans for expansion of services to homeless youth.

Proceeds from the SleepOut event will support Waypoint’s existing services to young people experiencing homelessness, including street outreach, basic needs relief, crisis care, the Youth Resource Center in Manchester, rapid rehousing, and transitional housing in four towns across the state. As well, funds will subsidize the agency’s expansion of services to homeless youth, including a drop-in center in Rochester and Concord, and a youth shelter in Manchester.

“Especially in the midst of a pandemic, homeless youth are at greater risk than ever,” says Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint. “It’s imperative that we continue serving as a lifeline to these youth, and provide vital services to contribute to their safety and long-term stability. We are beyond grateful to live in a community that stays on mission, helping one another through even the most challenging times.”

For further information or to support Waypoint services, visit www.waypointnh.org.

SleepOut 2021 was sponsored by PROCON, Bank of America, Velcro USA, TD Bank, Prime Source Foods, Rockport Mortgage, Rock 101, M & T Bank, Southern NH University, People’s United Bank, 603 Birch Realty, NOBIS, Harbor One Bank, McLane Middleton, Eastern Bank, Chinburg Properties, Rise Private Weath Management, and NHPR.

Newsletter