Why Elyse Webster is Sleeping Outside

When was the last time you truly wondered where you’d sleep tonight? For millions of people, that question isn’t a fleeting thought, it’s life itself. We rush past the streets, the parks, the corners where faces stare back at us, unnoticed. And yet, there are so many more we never see. People whose struggles are invisible, whose homes don't exist, whose nights are long and cold. They could be anyone. They could be next to you. Every day, their stories go untold. A mother holding her child under a thin blanket, a teenager hiding from the dangers of the night, an elderly person who has nowhere to rest. Each life fragile, each struggle unimaginable. And while we scroll, rush, and go about our lives, these hearts wait quietly, hoping someone will look, notice, and care. Because behind every cardboard sign and shadowed doorway, there is a human being longing not just for warmth, but for hope.

And the hardest truth is that many of these faces belong to youth. Children, teenagers and young adults should be thinking about dreams and a life full of wonder, not the next time they’ll be able to have a meal. Their joy is often suffocated by fear, their energy drained by survival. Every night, countless young lives fade into the shadows, unseen and unheard, carrying burdens far too heavy for anyone to bear. They deserve safety, warmth, and a chance to grow, but too often, the world passes them by.

That’s why on November 14 I’m sleeping outside to help make a difference in the lives of homeless youth in the Greater Vancouver area. One night of discomfort for me can lead to a lifetime of change for a young person. Together, we can give young people the safety and support they deserve. I’d be honored if you joined me by donating. This isn’t just about giving money. It’s about giving someone the chance to believe in tomorrow. To believe they matter.

Whether it’s $5 or $50, every donation becomes a step toward a safer, more compassionate future for vulnerable youth. Together, we can turn empathy into action and make sure these young people are seen, heard, and supported.

Join me. Let’s show them they’re not forgotten. Let’s give them the dignity and future they deserve.