A small but dedicated group of "Freedom Sleepers" are facing all the conditions winter has to offer them as they continue to sleep outside of Santa Cruz City Hall on Tuesday nights to protest laws that criminalize homelessness and the simple act of sleeping in public. The next sleepout is planned for Tuesday, February 2.

Since July 4, community members, many of them calling themselves "Freedom Sleepers," have been organizing the sleepouts. The City of Santa Cruz continues to take measures to prevent the sleepers from occupying the courtyard and lawn area of city hall. Security guards on duty all night continue to watch over the protesters. The entire complex at city hall is closed to the public at night, and police have issued countless citations and arrested many during the course of the protests, in order to keep the area clear.

Read More with Photos: Sleepouts at Santa Cruz City Hall Advance to 2016 | The "Winter" Freedom Sleepers | Community Sleepout #29

Previous Coverage: Freedom SleepOut #26 Seeks Shelter| Freedom Sleepers Confront Santa Cruz City Council at el Palomar Restaurant | Community Sleepouts Advance to 13th Week | Attendance Doubles at City Hall Sleepouts | Community Sleep-ins Continue at Santa Cruz City Hall | Community Campout Ends with Citations | Residents Respond to Withdrawal of Homeless Services Funds in Santa Cruz