Hillsborough County's second annual Camp Street Lights event doubles in size
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2024) - Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the need for housing has never been greater. There are 4,120 students in Hillsborough County Public Schools alone experiencing some form of homelessness, with 303 of those students living in a car or public space.
Hillsborough County Children's Services will host its second annual Camp Street Lights event to address youth homelessness in the county. This year's event will welcome over 100 local youth from schools and organizations throughout the county, doubling the attendance from the 2023 event. The one-night sleep-out event will take place on Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m. to Saturday, Nov. 23, 6 a.m. at the Children's Services Campus located at 3191 Clay Mangum Ln., Tampa, FL 33618.
Camp Street Lights will bring local officials, members of community organizations, and county youth together to spend the night away from the comfort of their homes to feel first-hand what it's like to be unhoused. Students in attendance will receive Bright Futures Scholarship hours for their involvement.
The event features a robust lineup of speakers including Dexter Jackson, Super Bowl XXXVII MVP and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, as well as local city and County officials. During the program, there will be several fun challenges, chances to win prizes, and a food drive hosted by Feeding Tampa Bay.
Media Availability
- Who: Hillsborough County Children's Services
- What: Camp Street Lights
- Where: Children's Services Campus, 3191 Clay Mangum Ln., Tampa, FL 33618, outside at the covered basketball court next to the administration building
- When: Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Homelessness can take on different forms. Some youth sleep in cars while others move from place to place. Additionally, there are large numbers of youth aging out of foster care who do not have the tools to house themselves. Camp Street Lights will educate the community about the issues these individuals face and how the community can help.
Representatives from Hillsborough County Children's Services, Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, Tampa Housing Authority, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and several other organizations will share information on topics related to assistance for housing, support for students facing homelessness, and runaway prevention month. For more information on Hillsborough County Children's Services and how to support local youth experiencing homelessness, visit HCFL.gov/Children.