OGDEN, Utah — As November marks National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, the Utah-based nonprofit Youth Futures is stepping up its mission to protect and empower young people facing homelessness. Through its signature event, the Utah Sleep Out, the organization is raising both awareness and critical funds to help youth in crisis find safety, stability, and hope.
Held at the Youth Futures shelter in Ogden, the Sleep Out invites participants to spend one night outdoors — a symbolic act meant to highlight the harsh reality thousands of young people experience every year. Despite freezing temperatures, dozens of Utahns gathered Friday night, bundled in coats and blankets, to show solidarity with vulnerable youth and to help fund the shelter’s programs.
Among those supporting the event was Ed Smart, father of kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart and a board member of Youth Futures. He emphasized how deeply personal the organization’s mission feels to him.
“The need for help, from everyone out there, is huge,” Smart said. “We’re talking about the future of our community. Providing a stable environment for kids in trauma is what Youth Futures is all about.”
Smart, whose family endured the trauma of Elizabeth’s abduction in 2002, said his daughter’s recovery inspired him to advocate for young people who have faced hardship and instability. “When Elizabeth came home, I wanted to see her thrive. That’s the same hope we have for every youth who comes through these doors,” he said.
Also in attendance was Lauren Affuant, a former Youth Futures resident who now serves on the organization’s board. “This is the place where I learned to make my own decisions,” she said. “I once was a resident here, so now I’m advocating for the youth — I’m their voice.”
The Scope of the Crisis
According to Melissa Freigang, external relations director at Youth Futures, more than 7,000 Utah youth between the ages of 12 and 17 experience homelessness each year — even if only for a single night. Many leave home to escape violence, neglect, or unsafe conditions.
Research from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago shows that youth who experience homelessness are four times more likely to face chronic homelessness later in life, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Funding Challenges Amid Shutdown
This year, Youth Futures has set an ambitious goal: raising $100,000 to continue offering transitional housing, mental health services, and life skills training for at-risk teens. So far, they’ve reached roughly half that target.
With federal funding frozen due to the ongoing government shutdown, community contributions have become even more essential. “Every dollar goes toward giving these kids a second chance,” Freigang said.
Supporters can donate directly or participate in the fundraiser by purchasing items such as local gift baskets, Minky Couture blankets, or gift cards provided by Utah businesses.
If you missed the Ogden Sleep Out, there’s still time to take part. The next Utah Sleep Out event will take place in St. George on November 15, giving more Utahns the chance to join the cause.
To learn more about upcoming events or to donate, visit the official Youth Futures website
