Why Escape Reality (Central Abbotsford) is Sleeping Outside
For one night, we're escaping reality so vulnerable youth can experience a different one.
Many of the youth we work with are already well acquainted with the harshness of life. They carry stress, instability, family conflict, mental health struggles, food insecurity, and circumstances that can leave them feeling like they're constantly in survival mode.
And sometimes, what they need most is somewhere they can simply breathe, belong, and be known.
That's what Escape Reality means to us.
Our programs give youth a place to step away from the weight of everyday life, to laugh around a campfire, share a meal, ask hard questions, and experience a community where they don't have to pretend everything is okay.
And at the centre of that community is Jesus. We believe He meets people in the middle of their mess, sees them fully, loves them deeply, and reminds them they don't have to walk through life alone.
Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian youth aged 15-24 report always or often feeling lonely. We want to be part of changing that story.
So for YUnite Outside, we're sleeping outside for one night so vulnerable youth can have access to connection, safety, and support when they need it most.
We can build relationships before a crisis happens. We can create spaces where youth know they belong. And we can point them toward the hope we have found in Jesus.
One night outside.
So a young person knows they're not alone.