I slept outdoors and...

I wanted to share why I’m more convinced than ever that we’ve chosen the right cause.

This was the second year that Dans la rue, an organization that provides support to homeless youths aged 12 to 21, held its La Nuit dans la rue event. There are as many reasons why someone ends up in the street as there are youths using this service. It could be a dysfunctional family life, or it could be mental health issues, like schizophrenia. It could be young people who have been kicked out of youth centres because they have become "adults,” without having been prepared for independence. It could be a young girl who was ostracized by her family after coming out to them. A feeling of loneliness looms over each one of them, and they face questions that we, the lucky ones, don’t have to ask ourselves daily: “Where will I sleep tonight?” “Will I find something to eat today?” and “Who can help me?”

The purpose of La Nuit dans la rue is to raise funds, but also, especially, to raise awareness about what these youths are going through. The organizers held different activities that truly allowed us to experience what life is like for these youths, and also what it's like for the stakeholders–psychologists, music therapists, nurses, volunteers, social workers, etc.–who provide a remarkable service and are crucial to the youths’ survival.

Last night, the event's 60 participants were given the chance to visit the Centre de jour in virtual reality. Together we made 2,000 hot dogs, a must-do to serve the youths who visit the Van, which has been making it stops around town for 30 years. We experienced a short musical therapy session. We also heard the stories of three inspiring young adults who went through homelessness and manifold suffering before becoming respectable and likeable citizens who strongly desire to become better versions of themselves. The urge to hug them took over as we listened to them talk about their lives.

I had prepared myself for this night by planning what to put in my backpack and checking the weather forecast. Three degrees on an October night; imagine what it's like in January! I was already seeing the irony. When you’re 14 and you get kicked out of your home, do you have time to prepare?

Sleeping outdoors is being woken up by the sound of ambulance sirens and honking cars. It’s being cold and being hungry. It's sleeping with one eye open because you're scared your backpack will get stolen, along with your very few precious possessions. It's living with a constant feeling of uncertainty, to such a degree that these youths develop anxiety and mental health issues from being in constant survival mode.

When I was woken up by the sounds of the city at 4:30 a.m. and lay shivering in Victoria Square, I just wanted to do one thing. To thank all the people who help improve the lives of these youths and lend them a kind ear, without judgement. To thank our brokers’ clients, who contribute to the cause with each transaction. To thank our entire network, who for almost four years has ensured the future of the Bunker, which gives 17 youths less fortunate than us a place to sleep, night after night.

I went home with an indescribable feeling of gratitude that I wanted to share with you.

To learn more about Dans la rue, go to danslarue.org/en