I believe every child deserves a safe place to sleep and hope for a brighter future. I know you do, too!!!

Last year I participated in the first inaugural Dusk til Dawn event to raise money for children and their families as they face housing instability or homelessness. I slept on the Dawning campus on the grass and under the stars and was able to gain a small appreciation for what it might be like to be homeless; with no home for shelter, no bed to climb into or even a car to protect you from the outdoor climate. It was such a meaningful experience, learning from others in the community and sharing our joint commitment to reduce homelessness in the Tampa Bay Area.

Dawning Family Services (formerly Alpha House of Tampa) has served our community's most vulnerable families over 42 years. We embrace diverse families with children touched by housing instability or homelessness and support their transition to a safe and stable home. Our services include family homeless prevention, emergency bridge housing, rapid re-housing, and career services. We believe every child deserves a safe place to sleep; a place to call home. Your gifts make it possible for us to help families and change their trajectory.

We are in a crisis in the Tampa Bay Area. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development reported a 22% spike in homelessness in Florida, driven by higher housing costs, significant cost of living increases and pressures on so many families who are trying to put food on the table and provide shelter for their children. I need your help.

As a Board Member and advocate for DFS, I ask for your support of this amazing organization's 2nd annual Dusk-til-Dawn event on March 22nd, where I will again join supporters as we SLEEP OUT IN SOLIDARITY.

Please support ME in attaining my PERSONAL GOAL of raising $5,000 (or exceeding it) by making a donation today! Your support will continue to allow Dawning Family Services fulfillment of our mission as we embrace diverse families with children touched by housing instability or homelessness and support their transition to a safe and stable home.

FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU DONATE, I WILL MATCH IT!!! So with your help, I hope to raise $10,000.00.

I would like to encourage all of my friends and family to join The Kumpu Dream Team! There are so many ways you can be involved; donate to The Dream Team directly in support of our fundraising goals; join The Dream Team, sleep out on our campus with me and raise money within your own network of friends; create your own team and host a slumber party or backyard sleepout to raise money, support the event and create a community service opportunity for your family.

Our goal is to increase the awareness in our community of the homeless crisis and empower each and every one of you to give of your time, treasure or talent! The need is great. Please make a donation today. Every dollar helps a family that comes to Dawning Family Services find immediate shelter and the support services so vitally important to support their well-being and safety.

Thank you so much for your consideration and support!

Janet