(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Brian Hayden, Jeff VanMater and Michele VanMater put the finishing touches on their shelter for the 10th Annual Sleep Out in Vienna.

VIENNA — The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia hosted its 10th annual Sleep Out on Friday evening, drawing more than 100 participants to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The event, held at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna, invites teams to build temporary shelters and spend the evening outdoors to highlight youth homelessness. The fundraiser benefits the organization’s Transitional Living Program that supports youth ages 16 to 22 as they work toward independence.

“This is our 10th annual Parkersburg Sleep Out, and it has a twofold purpose,” said Denise Hughes, director of programming for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. “One is to promote awareness of homeless youth within our region, and two, it’s a fundraiser for our transitional living program that supports homeless youth.”

The program currently serves 22 young people, with more waiting for placement due to limited housing and funding. Participants receive life-skills training, help finding housing, education, and job opportunities, Hughes said.

“A lot of the youth we see are in survival mode,” she said. “We help them get their footing, we always say it’s a hand up, not a handout.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Julie White, Rachel Capps and Kevin White build their shelter for the 10th Annual Sleep Out, hosted by The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.

Hughes said the program boasts an 83.6% success rate with participants exiting to stable housing and steady employment.

Teams from schools, community groups and businesses participated in the Sleep Out, including the Parkersburg High School Naval Junior ROTC, which has been involved for several years.

“We’ve done this since the second year they started it,” said Cadet Daniel McIntyre, a senior. “It’s a fun way to work together, but also to help raise awareness and support for homeless teens. One year, we were the only team that stayed all night because it rained.”

The evening also featured live music from local artists including Smokestack Betty Dotson, Todd Burge and Moon King. A panel of judges evaluated the creative box shelters teams constructed for the event.

Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick said the city was proud to host and support the effort.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Fingers of Light, a Grateful Dead tribute band, performs at the 10th Annual Sleep Out Friday night, hosted by the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.

“The Children’s Home Society is an excellent organization,” Emrick said. “When homelessness affects not only adults but also children and young teens, these are matters we have to address, and we’re glad to help raise awareness.”

Hughes said volunteers, mentors, and community partners play a vital role in sustaining the program. “We’re always looking for mentors, people who can lend a hand or offer support,” she said. “It’s those small, everyday things, like giving someone a ride or teaching a life skill that make a huge difference.”

For more information or to get involved, the Children’s Home Society office can be reached at 304-485-0650 or by going to 205 36th St., Parkersburg.