ëHomelessí teens will brave the elements Posted 11/17/00 by John Gessner Staff Writer An encampment of homeless teens will descend on Burnsville tonight, using cardboard boxes and a bonfire to shut out the cold as they try to catch a few hoursí sleep. At least it might look that way. THE GARAGE teen center in Civic Center Park is hosting a Grate American Sleep Out event tonight (Saturday). The Grate American Sleep Out is a fund-raiser sponsored nationally by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Students Against Hunger Association. Burnsville-area teens will spend the evening outside THE GARAGE in an effort to raise awareness about homelessness and money for organizations that help the homeless. Similar to an event held last year by the Burnsville High School Student Council, this yearís sleep out is sponsored by THE GARAGE Advisory Board and organized by its chair, Amy Kopp of Burnsville. ìI think itís important because I personally have seen homelessness in this area, and a lot of my friends never have seen it,î said the Burnsville high School junior. ìA lot of people just arenít aware it occurs in Burnsville and Savage and the surrounding area. To many people, itís only something that happens in Minneapolis or New York.î Koppís service to the needy includes work at a Minneapolis shelter through her church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savage. ìWe need more people to realize that homeless people are just people who need a chance,î Kopp said. ìIíve seen people walking on the streets in Shakopee and pulled over and given them my cheeseburger. Itís just something that I hold close.î The event, which coincides with the Burnsville City Councilís declaration of Nov. 14 through 18 as Homeless Awareness Week, will begin at 6 p.m. A representative of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless will speak at 8 p.m. Also invited to speak are teens who have found help in getting off the streets. After an 11 p.m. candlelight vigil, participants will hunker down for the night. ìWeíre going to have some bands playing through the night doing acoustic sets,î Kopp said. ìI donít think it should get too boring for the people. Plus weíre hoping to have a fire pit to keep people warm.î THE GARAGE will remain open as a last refuge from the cold, with coffee and hot chocolate available. Organizers are hoping to raise $50 in pledges per participant. For information on donating, call Kopp at (952) 445-4116 or Eric Billiet of THE GARAGE at (952) 895-4578. ©Thisweek Newspapers