The first-handed experience some youth in Nanaimo face on the streets will be felt by those participating in an overnight event in late September. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

COLD NIGHT OUT

‘The need is definitely there:’ Nanaimo youth homelessness put into focus through unique overnight event

Aug 28, 2022 | 8:39 AM

NANAIMO — It’ll be a night out in the cold and a first-hand experience of what over 100 youth go through every single day.

Nanaimo Youth Services Association (NYSA) is running their first “Roughing It” event on Friday, Sep. 23 beginning at 6 p.m. and carrying overnight until 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 24.

Participants will spend a night on city streets using a piece of cardboard to sleep on, an experience which NYSA’s Amy Worth hopes will be illuminating.

“We’re really hoping to bring awareness to the community that our youth need more support. They need more housing available for them that’s affordable with the supports in place.”

Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog is among those already committed to the event, while Worth said they’re looking for around 100 participants to brave a night out.

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While a meal will be provided, what those taking part will eat is left up to chance.

Organizers will conduct a random draw for meal tickets with 64 per cent receiving rice and water, 26 per cent getting a meal of rice, beans and salad and the final 10 per cent receiving a full, catered meal.

Worth said it’s designed to simulate what families must do to feed themselves from anywhere between $3.50 to $12 per day.

Nanaimo’s youth homelessness problem is a hidden challenge, according to Worth, who said feedback NYSA receives from some in the community suggests people think the city doesn’t have a youth homelessness problem.

“There’s over 100 youth (aged 13 to 24) that are unhoused, living in Nanaimo every single night. Whether that’s living on the streets, couch surfing, staying in shelters or jumping from home to home. So for us the need is definitely there.”

Donations are being taken in through pledges and other gifts, with all money raised being put towards another youth housing project run by NYSA.

The organization operates two, which helps to house 35 youth, but both have long waitlists.

More information on the event, including how to register or pledge a participant, is available on the NYSA website.

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