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CHATTANOOGA, TN — To raise awareness and money, the Interfaith Homeless Network will host the second annual “Camp Out to Stamp Out” Family Homelessness event on Friday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7 a.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion.
Guests are invited to bring or build their own cardboard living space for Box City in the pavilion. Guests will have an opportunity to experience one night of what it is like to live without a cozy bed in a warm home.
The "Camp Out to Stamp Out" event on Friday night also features entertainment like face painting, a scavenger hunt, games, talent show, music and crafts. Volunteers will be on hand to serve up soup, sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, popcorn and fruit during the night participants stay in Box City. In the morning guests will receive muffins and carry their box home to be recycled. Police security will be present during the entire event.
Some youth groups raise funds through car washes, bake sales, flea markets, chili or pancake suppers. All children and youth groups must be supervised by an adult.
Cost is $25 per person, and children under 10 years old free. All proceeds benefit the Interfaith Homeless Network and its work to help homeless families become stable, employed and housed.
“Our mission is to end family homelessness one family at a time,” said Mary Ellen Galloway, Interfaith Homeless Network director. “If we can raise awareness about the plight homeless families face, then we will be successful.”
“Homeless families struggle for a variety of reasons, but it all boils down to how do we help these families get back on their feet and housed?” Ms. Galloway said. “Everyone can do their part to help these families. You’d be surprised at how many families are just one paycheck away from being homeless.”
Similar campouts for homelessness events have been successful in other cities such as the Cardboard Box City held annually in Rochester, New York, and Reggie’s Sleep Out in Des Moines, Iowa.
“It’s hard for us to understand exactly what homeless families endure by our sleeping out just one night,” said Tina Player who is coordinating the event. “But you certainly gain a greater appreciation for your warm mattress and other comforts of home.”
The Interfaith Homeless Network (IHN) of Greater Chattanooga coordinates the efforts of over 40 area congregations and their supporters to address the large and growing problem of families without homes. IHN provides homeless families with temporary evening lodging, meals, transportation and assistance finding work, training, education, housing, counseling and supportive services.
IHN works to keep families together. Families are interviewed and thoroughly screened. All adult guests sign contracts concerning their responsibilities of conduct and effort within the program and the host congregations.
Groups of five or more individuals cost $10 per person (one adult required for every four children). Attendance at the event for the evening (7-10 p.m.) is free. Registration and donations can be made online at www.ihnchattanooga.org or by calling (423) 756-3891. For more information, please call Tina Player at (423) 413-5075 or write to tv555@msn.com.
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Brief: Help Teen Challenge
Did you know you can help the ministry of Teen Challenge just by donating things of value you aren't using anymore?
By donating clothing, furniture and household items to Teen Challenge you are helping them in their efforts of saving lives.
For 32 years, Teen Challenge of the Mid-South has been providing a Christian rehabilitation program to people with life-controlling addictions such as drugs and alcohol. The program is offered at no cost.
Just look for the Red and Grey boxes scattered throughout the J-103 listening area. If you have bigger items call 756-5558 ext 103 and they will pick it up. Your efforts help Teen Challenge provide hope through Jesus Christ.