Pinellas teens sleep outside to learn about homelessness

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a harsh reality, but several people in the Tampa Bay community are spending their night on the street.

Nearly 2,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County in a single night, according to the Pinellas County Point in Time Count .

What You Need To Know • At St. Raphael Catholic Church, about 20 teens slept outside with minimal shelter to learn what it's like to be houseless • The kids could only bring three items. Some brought boxes, pillows, and tarps • Guest speakers, like Pinellas Hope representatives, talked to teens about the issue • They also made donations to shelters

On Saturday night, dozens of teens slept outside without shelter to get a glimpse into the life of a person experiencing homelessness.

Out in a field behind the St