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The World’s Big Sleep Out

Dec. 13, 2019

On a cold December night in Chicago, some 150 people gathered at DePaul University for the World’s Big Sleep Out. Participants raised funds for local and international charities working to address homelessness, including DePaul’s Institute of Global Homelessness, UNICEF USA, All Chicago: Making Homelessness History, and Depaul USA.

During an indoor program, the crowd listened to college students and others who had experienced homelessness, as well as nonprofit leaders about their programs and ways to help. The Trifecta Dance Collective performed an original piece, and musician Frank Turner flew in from London to play an acoustic set.

In all, about 75 people braved the wind and cold to sleep outside in St. Vincent’s Circle on the Lincoln Park Campus. Together they raised nearly $18,000, contributing to millions raised across 52 cities worldwide. Chicago’s wind chill factor made it feel like was 23 degrees, coming in a close second to the chill in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which also held a sleep out. In the morning, participants gathered to reflect on the dignity of all people and holding compassion in our hearts this season for those who don’t have a place to call home.

The Institute of Global Homelessness is a legacy partner for the event, connecting with cities that held sleep outs to offer resources and support in addressing the issue. Didn’t get a chance to give? Fundraising for the World’s Big Sleep Out event remains open through Christmas at http://bit.ly/wbsochigive.

Mark Rivera, news anchor at ABC7, serves as emcee on Dec. 7 for The World’s Big Sleep Out. Some 150 people gathered on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus to participate in the event which was DePaul’s first time hosting a sleep out. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Lydia Stazen, executive director of the Institute of Global Homelessness, gives comments during the indoor program which kicked off the weekend event. Following the indoor program, participants made their way outside to St. Vincent’s Circle. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., president of DePaul University, also shared remarks during the indoor program. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Chuck Levesque, executive director of Depaul USA, speaks about their Dax House project and its goal to provide housing to college students facing housing insecurity. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Members of the Trifecta Dance Collective perform an original piece, telling the story of homelessness through movement. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Carolyn Ross, CEO of All Chicago, offers remarks about the issue of housing insecurity in the city of Chicago. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Frank Turner, musician, flew in from London to perform an acoustic set for the participants. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Dr. and Mrs. Esteban pose for a photo before hunkering down in St. Vincent’s Circle for the night. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

About 75 people braved the wind and cold to sleep outside overnight. Chicago’s wind chill factor made it feel like it was 23 degrees, coming in a close second to the chill in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which also held a sleep out that night. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

Sleepers kept their spirits up in the cold weather by bringing snacks and games. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)

A hush fell over St. Vincent’s Circle late in the evening as sleepers settled in for the night. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)