Who:  High school students who attend youth group at five local churches

What: Overnight Experience of Homelessness

When: Saturday, November 15 at 1 p.m. – Sunday, November 16 at 10 a.m.

Where: St. Raphael Catholic Church,1376 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Petersburg

Why:   Teach empathy for those who experience homelessness, humanize individuals who live on the streets, highlight solutions, and provide assistance

During this youth retreat, teens will sleep outside with minimal shelter—such as cardboard boxes or sleeping bags—to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the homeless population.

The event is designed to be both educational and service oriented. Participants will hear from guest speakers including representatives from the Pinellas County Sherriff’s Office and Pinellas Hope who will share personal stories about the daily struggles that affect those who are experiencing homeless, as well as solutions that are making a difference.

The teens will also prepare sandwiches and assemble care bags filled with essential supplies such as toiletries and snacks that will later be distributed to local shelters, such as Pinellas Hope.

The five participating churches are: St. Paul Parish, Tampa, St. Jerome Parish, Largo, St. Matthew Parish, Largo, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, and St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg.