Did you know that last year it was estimated that approximately 550,000 youth and young adults under the age of 23 experienced homelessness for longer than a week? More than half of those individuals were under the age of 18. 50% of homeless youth are unsheltered, either sleeping outside or in a place not meant for human occupancy.

This year on Giving Tuesday, which was December 1st, ECMS  supported our local Youth Services System by participating in their annual Sleep Out and raising awareness for an issue that greatly affects our society. In participating in this great community event, Diane Trifonoff and Tiffany Wildern worked together to build a shelter out of cardboard that can be livable. Our theme was “Providing A Roof For The Youth” because so often we forget that something like a roof is a luxury for many of us.

*Our house won “Best Use of Materials” for the Wheeling SleepOut 2020! Way to go, Diane and Tiffany!