HIS-OC is hosting its inaugural Virtual Camp Out Under The Stars on August 29th to raise funds and awareness for college students experiencing homelessness in Orange County. This virtual event aims to raise $50,000 to provide housing resources and relief for the more than 13.7 percent of college students who are homeless in Orange County, according to Cypress College.
“The number of homeless students in Orange County and those who have housing insecurity is quite astounding. We know with the new school year going virtual college students are at even more risk of living in the cars or on the streets. At HIS-OC, we believe that education and housing are inextricably linked. If we don’t get these students into a safe place to focus on their studies, we’re going to lose them, and we will be paying for them later in social services. We want the cycle of homelessness to end with us. That’s why we are committed to providing transitional housing and supportive services for this population. ” – Carrie Buck, Executive Director
The current health risk is scary for everyone. But homeless and hungry college students face greater challenges. College students who have experienced homelessness or foster care do not have the support they need in times of crisis. They may not have housing, a caring adult or the resources they need to keep them safe and healthy. College students are especially vulnerable to the difficulties of COVID-19. It is imperative to provide additional housing and academic support for these students.
On August 29th, people of all ages and backgrounds will give up the warmth of their beds and the comfort of their homes to spend a night camping outside, just like thousands of teens and young adults with nowhere else to go sleep every night. We’ll provide suggestions for family-friendly activities to do leading up to and during your Camp Out to make it a meaningful event for all involved.
“The Camp Out kicks off at 6 pm where we will give an exclusive first access look at our new transitional housing program in Fullerton, CA as well as testimonials from the students in our program. We would invite anyone who carse about this issue to get involved by camping out, in solidarity with those who have no choice. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to deliver individualized services (in the areas of transitional housing, food, housing, employment assistance and academic support) that will help local college students stabilize, strengthen and thrive.” – Carrie Buck, Executive Director.
The Camp Out Under the Stars campaign is part of a bold initiative by HIS-OC to enhance the quality of services and housing opportunities for homeless college students. To give online during the Camp Out Under the Stars, please visit www.hishouseoc.org/campout For more information on HIS-OC, visit www.hishouseoc.org.
About Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County (HIS-OC)
Established in 1989, HIS-OC exists to support people to overcome homelessness and achieve independence. HIS-OC provides a continuum of care meeting the unique needs of the homeless and impoverished individuals and families. For these homeless men, women, and children, we provide a safe and supportive environment to transition out of homelessness into permanent housing and a life of possibilities. Since its inception, HIS-OC has provided shelter and supportive services to more than 4,500 homeless men, women and children. For more information, visit https://his-oc.org/ or call (714) 993-5774 ext. 1003. Be a part of our community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.