Spending ‘One Cold Night’ Outdoors to Support our Partners in the Community

Every day we see the impact of homelessness on individuals and on our economy. Although the answer for homelessness is complex to say the least, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) and the SAY Finley Dream Center are without a doubt a part of the solution. In fact, SAY is the primary community organization focused on bringing youth off the street and into our local workforce.

The Metro Chamber believes SAY’s success is our shared economic success. That is why, On December 7, elected leaders, young professionals, and community members including Santa Rosa Metro Chamber CEO Peter Rumble will sleep out on the street for one night as part of SAY’s One Cold Night. This fundraiser seeks to highlight the ongoing crisis of youth homelessness in Sonoma County, where on any given night there are over 515 youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness. For those ages 18-24, 88% sleep outside every single night – vulnerable to dire weather conditions and sexual predators.

One Cold Night is a key factor in supporting SAY’s housing, counseling, and employment programs that help Sonoma County youth get off the streets and into housing. It’s not about pretending to be homeless for a night – it’s a contribution to the cause, an act of solidarity, a demonstration in word and action to youth experiencing homelessness that the community cares.

The most vulnerable young people among us deserve access to safe housing, mental health care, and workforce development opportunities. We stand in support of those who need it most, and building a brighter, stronger future within our community. Visit onecoldnight.org for more details.