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Sleep Out smash fundraising roof

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Abby Couture is just 17-years-old but already has a strong grasp on how public misunderstanding of mental health and homelessness is adding to growing stigma.

“I want to address stigma attached to mental health as well as homelessness,” she said while tying together several pieces of cardboard to call home for the night. “A lot of people tend to see homeless people as lazy, when in actuality many people on the street are suffering from mental illness or they’re just facing tough times.”

Couture was among more than 200 participants who slept in makeshift cardboard box homes for several hours Friday night, raising more than $14,000 in support of local shelters operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings and Prince Edward County branch (CMHA-HPE). Pledges continue to come in as organizers surpass the $10,000 target

“It’s important to treat them as human beings and recognize that a lot of issues regarding homelessness are also linked to mental health issues,” she said. This was her fifth year sleeping out in Market Square to raise awareness.

Tanya Dutton hid from a frigid Friday night in her home made of cardboard boxes, sleeping bags and blankets.

“It’s a systems issue that affects all of society and I think events like this will let the general public know that people need to get out there to help,” she said.

The Loyalist College student was among dozens of fellow pupils who converged at Market Square for the Sleep Out So Others Can Sleep In event staged by CMHA.

“Because Belleville has such an hidden homelessness, it really does get people thinking about what it really is like,” said Ruth Ingersoll, of the Community Development Council, a local agency that aids individuals battling harsh financial times. “I got a call last week about someone sleeping in a van and the first place I called was CMHA and they had a place for them.”

The event has raised more than $130,000 in under a decade, with Friday’s tally still to be added. Funds raised go to keeping the lights on in four area transitional homes said executive director Sandie Sidsworth, who testify to seeing an increasing number of older adults seeking assistance. The four transitional provide about 20 beds including families.

“The request from seniors that are homelessness has just skyrocket so we’re running a pilot right now,” Sidsworth said. “Those folks over the age of 60 are struggling.”

jason.miller@sunmedia.ca

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