Hillsborough County Children's Services, 3191 Clay Mangum Ln, Tampa, FL 33618

Camp Street Lights: Raising Awareness of Youth Homelessness

More than 4,265 students in Hillsborough County Public Schools are currently experiencing homelessness, an alarming figure that exceeds twice the capacity of many local high schools. Of those, approximately 270 students are living in cars or public spaces.

To spotlight this urgent issue, Hillsborough County Children’s Services will host Camp Street Lights, a one-night sleep-out event on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the Children’s Services Campus. Registration is required.

🌙 What to Expect

This immersive 12-hour experience invites local officials, youth, and community members to step outside their comfort zones and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be unhoused. The evening includes:

Expert-led discussions on homelessness and housing challenges
Civic engagement opportunities with elected officials
Optional overnight sleep-out to foster empathy and awareness
Light dinner and snacks, generously provided by Publix
Volunteer credit: Student participants can earn up to 6 Florida Bright Futures hours
🧠 Experiential Learning

Metropolitan Ministries will lead interactive activities and discussions throughout the evening to deepen participants’ understanding of homelessness.

🥫 CAN Do! Food Drive Challenge

As part of Camp Street Lights, youth organizations are invited to join the CAN Do! Challenge, a friendly food drive competition supporting Feeding Tampa Bay. The group that collects the most will be recognized as the challenge champion.
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Event Details: https://bullsconnect.usf.edu/rsvp?id=1992909

SWS, Education