About Peter Larson

Increasing, youth are playing a key role in the campaign. None has made such a difference as Peter Larson, a 14-year-old from Plymouth who is a 9th grader at Wayzata Sr. High School. This is his 9th year sleeping out on IOCP's behalf, and 3rd year sleeping outside every night of the campaign. His goal last year was to raise $30,000; he ended up raising $50,000! This year he has set his sights on keeping 125 families from becoming homeless. In order to do this, he hopes to raise $71,125.
In Peter's words: "I sleep out each year because I know that I can make a difference by doing so.I do it because its the right thing to do, to try and help.Its fun to be able to help people, to make sure they have affordable housing.Ive slept out in temperatures as low as -5 because I can."
Peter Larson truly exemplifies someone who is making a difference in his community, and he is inspiring others. His own fundraising success has led IOCP's board of directors to have as its Sleep Out goal this year to "beat the kid". Peter's efforts on behalf of the housing needs in his community are particularly timely given the housing crisis and the rise of foreclosures in the western suburbs.