Join us as we give up the comforts of home for one night to sleep outside – vulnerable, exposed, and uncomfortable – so that youth facing homelessness can sleep safely and dream big at Safe Harbor Center.

About Not My Roof

Not My Roof is a unique special event designed to encourage awareness, empathy, and understanding for the immeasurable odds that young people face overcoming homelessness. On Friday, December 3rd, Not My Roof participants will give up the comforts of home to sleep unsheltered to gain a glimpse of what homelessness is like. Not My Roof is not about pretending to be homeless.  On this one evening, Not My Roof participants help will spread awareness about the youth homelessness crisis and raise urgently needed funds for Safe Harbor Center, providing food, shelter, crisis care, and essential services to young adults experiencing homelessness.

We wish youth homelessness was not a growing problem, but we are fiercely committed to serving homeless children and youth with the utmost care and compassionate support.

Much like communities throughout the state of Georgia, Glynn County and surrounding communities are struggling with high levels of poverty and homelessness, especially among children and youth. In fact, it is estimated that 40% of our homeless population is under the age of 18. They are our community’s invisible homeless population, unsheltered — sleeping outdoors, in parks, on the street, in vehicles, abandoned buildings, under bridges, and other places not meant for human habitation. The longer young individuals remain homeless, the greater the risk that they will be trapped on the streets where they are vulnerable to victims of crime, hunger, illness, mental health issues and dying prematurely.

That is why we are launching the Not My Roof campaign.

We hope you will consider joining us for the important event and gain a glimpse of what homelessness is like for so many children and youth. Not My Roof is open to individuals, families, friends, schools, places of worship, and workplaces to be part of the solution to end youth homelessness. Not My Roof takes place on the campus of the College of Coastal Georgia. Upon arrival, each participant will receive a blanket, cardboard box, a basic essentials kit, and a memorable experience throughout the evening.
Getting started is easy to do, and it’s fun. You will be given all the tools you’ll need to make a difference. In fact, if you cannot attend our simulated encampment site at Coastal College of Georgia, you can host your own virtual Not My Roof event anytime from anywhere — a backyard, porch, terrace, garage, kitchen floor, or car, so long as it’s safe. You simply will need to register, and you’ll be provided all the tools for your virtual event.
If you are unable to participate, we hope you will consider making a tax-deductible contribution. With your help, we can reach our campaign goal and send a powerful message to homeless youth that we stand with you in your struggles, celebrate your courage and resiliency, and support your promise and dreams.
The funds raised through Not My Roof will support 4 key programs of Safe Harbor Center that serve the needs of homeless youth.
Zach’s Place is an emergency shelter providing for the immediate needs of homeless and runaway children and youth up to age 18 in Glynn County, Georgia. At Zach’s Place, children and youth receive safe, temporary housing, food, clothing, medical care, counseling, and the encouragement to fulfill their potential and successfully contribute to society.
Street Beat, addresses the needs of runaway, homeless and street youth and their families by providing services that promote safety, well-being, self-sufficiency and permanent connections with caring adults.  Street Beat not only helps youth leave the streets, but also assists them in moving and adjusting to a safe and appropriate living arrangement.
Safe Harbor’s STRIVE Transitional Living Services makes available the needed supports for youth who are most at-risk to experience violence, trafficking, unemployment, homelessness, incomplete education, drug addiction, pregnancy, and poverty. Services are designed to help young people make a successful transition to self-sufficient living while providing a safe living environment.
Safe Place provides access to immediate help and supportive services for youth in need of accessing safety as a result of homelessness, abuse and neglect, bullying, and suicidal thoughts,. As a community initiative, the program designates schools, fire stations, libraries, and other youth-friendly organizations as Safe Place locations, creating a safety net for youth throughout Coastal Georgia.