CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — C-U at Home is gearing up for its signature annual event, One Winter Night 2026, set to take place on February 6, 2026, in downtown Champaign. For over a decade, this community-driven fundraiser has raised crucial funds to support those experiencing homelessness while fostering awareness about the challenges of living without stable housing.
The event invites community members, businesses, faith partners, and local leaders to stand in solidarity with those who are homeless by participating in various ways. One key feature of the night is the Outdoor Participant experience, where participants commit to spending the night outside, offering a small glimpse into the harsh realities faced by homeless individuals in the region.
“We are seeing lives change every single day,” said Melissa Courtwright, Executive Director of C-U at Home. “One Winter Night is more than just a fundraiser—it is a community declaration that no one in Champaign County is ever too far gone to find hope, stability, and a new beginning.”
Funds raised during One Winter Night directly benefit C-U at Home’s Pathways to Progress program, which provides a comprehensive range of services including transitional housing, case management, resource navigation, and life skills programs. The event also carries extra significance this year with the opening of the new Mattis Street campus, which will expand the organization’s capacity and deepen its impact on the local homeless population.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of One Winter Night, and there are several ways to participate:
- Sign up as an Outdoor Participant to experience the night firsthand
- Sponsor a participant or team to provide financial support
- Become a business sponsor to help underwrite the event
- Volunteer to assist with event logistics
- Donate online to support C-U at Home’s year-round homeless services
Those interested in getting involved can find registration, sponsorship opportunities, and donation links at the official event website: https://p2p.onecause.com/own2026.
