San Rafael's 'Under The Stars Sleepout' Returns May 20

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The Ritter Center is inviting Marin County neighbors to participate in its third annual "Under the Stars Sleepout to End Homelessness" this month. The San Rafael center helps provide services for thousands experiencing homelessness or poverty, and the sleepout helps raise community awareness and vital funds to keep things running.

The team-based community event invites participants to sleep outside on May 20 to reflect on the discomfort and alienation so many people face on a nightly basis.

"Choosing to sleep in an area other than your bed for one night will not remotely recreate what it is like to sleep on the streets," said Mark Shotwell, the Ritter Center's CEO. "But it allows for a pause in our busy lives to ask this question: who of us would want to be seen at our very worst moment and have our potential defined by it?"

Beforehand, kids and paid participants are invited to a pre-sleepout BBQ celebration at the San Rafael Elks Club Lodge, where guests can grab a bite, play games and join in on a silent auction. Speakers will share their experiences working with people living unsheltered.

Registration is $25 per person, and children under 5 are free. Paid participants will get a free shirt and can also win awards. Benefactor tickets are priced at $175, and honorary host tickets with extra perks cost $275.

Residents can learn more and sign up on the Ritter Center's website