The Sleep Out

The Sleep Out is IOCP’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of and funds for the housing needs of families living in the 8 communities IOCP serves. The 2009 campaign raised $1.56 million, a record in terms of cash donations. Peter Larson, who slept out every night of the campaign, raised $112,000.

• Individuals and groups gather pledges and sleep outside one or more nights from mid-November through December.
• Funds raised during the Sleep Out support emergency housing assistance, services that stabilize families in their homes long-term (such as employment), and affordable housing development projects.
• Started in 1996 by Wayzata businessman Bob Fisher, the Sleep Out involves about 3,000 community members each year.
• Since it began, the Sleep Out has raised $12 million.

More details on the 2010 Sleep Out will be available starting Sept. 15.

View video of impact Sleep Out has in our community.

Support the housing needs of this community today!

Sleep Out Facts

• Sleep Out funds have seeded the development, construction, and rehabilitation of 67 units of affordable housing.
• Funds raised during the Sleep Out allow IOCP to respond to more than 1,800 emergency housing crises.
• IOCP’s average rent assistance for one month is $675, compared to $2,757—the cost for one adult and two children to stay in a Hennepin County shelter for a month.
• Every month, IOCP turns away about 20 worthy housing requests because of lack of funds.