Why Emily Kennedy is Sleeping Outside

Two years ago I had the opportunity to share my story and experience as a youth who had been homeless. I consider this to be a privilege because I know there are so many youth who’ve lived the same reality as me whose voices and stories go unheard.

this year I have the privilege of sharing a story very dear to my heart.

During 2024 2025 I was a Youth Work student at Lifeteams School Of Youth Outreach, during this time I had the chance to connect and build relationships with youth attending one of the high schools in Abbotsford. That is where I met Jenna. Jenna was a 15 year old girl who began regularly attending the drop in program and Bible study we hosted with Abbotsford Youth Unlimited. I spent months getting to know Jenna and being honoured to hear her story.

Jenna had been in and out of foster care her entire life.

Sometime around early spring into the new year Jenna was confronted with homelessness. Although she didn’t have to sleep on the streets, she experienced a very common situation many youth face on a daily basis that often goes unnoticed by adults and peers.

It’s called “Hidden homelessness.” This situation often looks like youth not having a safe, secure, or permanent place to call their own. Staying briefly on friends’ or relatives’ couches, floors, or spare rooms. These situations are often temporary and very unstable, leaving many youth in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. These youth rarely sleep on the street, making it harder for people to see that they need help.

Every child deserves to feel safe and deserves the right to being a child.

Jenna is one of the strongest youth I’ve ever met. Having gone through so much adversity at such a young age but still persevering and trying to survive, I was deeply inspired. During the time I worked directly with Jenna, she struggled with constant and crippling anxiety about where she would live. Her everyday reality felt like she was walking on eggshells constantly. Never knowing where she would be living in a few days.

There was one moment I shared with Jenna that I’ll never forget. It was during one of our youth drop ins. She had been feeling so anxious and had asked me to step outside with her. While outside, Jenna shared her anxieties about where she was going to live while in tears.

It broke my heart to know that this kid had been forced to grow up early because her survival depended on it. In that moment I looked to Jenna and reminded her that she is just a kid and she is allowed to be just a kid. That she shouldn’t have to carry the weight and responsibility of finding shelter for herself and having to provide for herself in those ways.

That day Jenna practiced just being a kid.

Today Jenna still is finding her footing, she is still persevering despite all of the hardships life throws at her. I still have the privilege of being a part of her life and supporting her.

Because of Jenna’s story and so many others, on November 13th

I am sleeping outside for one night to raise awareness and funds that directly help youth like Jenna and once upon a time, youth like me.
If you feel led to give, you can click the link in my bio. And if you feel led to join us in a night of discomfort to bring awareness, then please DM me.

Thank you!