"Sleep out" in the cold Friday night

Market Square, site of Friday’s sixth annual Sleep out so others can sleep in. Photo by John Boldrick.

By John Boldrick

Courtesy of: Hastings Health Source

Imagine spending a dark winter night on the streets with nothing but a cardboard box to keep you warm.

This is a reality for people living without homes. On Friday night, it will become a reality for another 150 Belleville residents.

It marks the sixth annual Sleep out so others can sleep in event. Hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association, the event sees participants collect donations and sleep outside for the night to raise money for housing.

Last year’s event raised just under $15,000. The goal for this year is the same.

This year’s edition of the sleep out takes place on Friday, January 25, at the Market Square in Belleville. It lasts from 7 until 7. Participants need not stay the whole time, as they are encouraged to go home if the cold becomes too much to bear. In fact, Sidsworth said that by 7 A.M., there is usually a 50 per cent drop in participants.

The money goes to things such as keeping up the appearances of the transitional homes and making sure the furniture is in good condition. The goal is to try and make residents feel comfortable in their new environment.

“People coming in off the street aren’t coming into a beat up, dirty place, they’re coming into something that’s (as) close to home as we can make it,” said Sandie Sidsworth, executive director for the mental health association.

The association has four transitional homes, holding up to 34 residents. They also have a family home, which can hold up to three families at a time. Even though they provide homes for many people, the association had to turn away 409 people last year.

With temperatures expected to be around -15, it could be too cold for some.  Still, it’s far warmer than the lowest temperature on a sleep out night.

During the second sleep out event, temperatures dipped to a -32. Participants are cautioned to come prepared for whatever the weather can throw at them.

“Bring a good warm hat, a good warm sleeping bag and three or four pairs of socks so you can change,” said Sidsworth.

There is a list of banned items people are discouraged from bringing.

“No candles, no portable heaters, nothing with a live flame because you’re either sleeping out with your sleeping bags or your sleeping in cardboard and it’s just dangerous,” said Sidsworth.

The elements aren’t enough to scare people away. Last year, sleep out expanded to the Loyalist College campus in Bancroft. This year, it’s Trenton getting their first taste of sleeping out.

While donations may have hit a snag, dropping 40 per cent two years ago, it bounced back last year. It’s a trend that Sidsworth hopes will continue.

“Two years ago we had a very low turn-out but the numbers have rebounded and we’ve been very lucky,” she said.

Belleville City Councilor Pat Culhane has slept out every year. She was formerly a member of the health board, but had to give up the position. Still, she plans on coming out for sleep out.

“I resigned from the board to make room for another person who could attend more regularly but I wanted to stay attached to the sleep out because I’ve never done anything that makes me more grateful for what I have,” said Culhane.

Culhane said that the experience is rewarding. It really makes her grateful for what she has.

“It’s a difficult way to raise money but it really brings home that you have more than half the world and certainly more than people in your own city.”

To stay warm, Culhane suggests that people should dress in layers and to also make use of a tarp on top of their box if at all possible. This won’t offer total protection from the environment, it’s a start.

“Once you’re in there it’s tolerable. You’re not terribly cold, you’re not terribly warm but it’s tolerable. It makes for an uncomfortable night but you can do it,” she said, “I’ve made it every year. I’ve gone into the box, I’ve stayed for the night and I’m proud of myself, at 65, good for me.”

Pledge sheets for the event can be picked up at the association’s office or downloaded online. The amount is important, but it’s what’s behind the donations that matter.

“We believe people give from the heart and if they give $3 or they give $1000, it’s not the amount of money given, it’s the intent that it’s given to help us,” Sidsworth said.