The 13th and final 'Sleep Out-So Others Can Sleep In' fundraiser hosted by the CMHA Hastings & Prince Edward meant a great deal to Dave Schwager and his partner Lisa Brown, who work alongside Debbie Lee of Not Alone Team - Quinte. Together, they volunteer their time to take inventory of donations that come in to the N.A.T. organization. But the importance of the Sleep Out, is simply to serve others and raise awareness.

"Tonight, we've pulled a lot of organizations together. There are many here, over 11 others, besides ours." Says Schwager. "We have some differences, but the same goal: We regularly see the faces the city doesn't. We see how they're living, how they're struggling, and sometimes, how they're dying. We're all here to serve them, to be a presence, raise awareness, and make their faces known by showing ours."

Alongside twelve other local initiatives that evening, the Not Alone Team shared their own 'info-pod' discussing their deeply personal mission statement to bring the community together—especially on winter nights and sub-zero temperatures—to help the homeless, marginalized, and generally those in-need; of our understanding; just as much as warm clothes, food and shelter.

Photos and story by Jonathan Matthie.