Homeless Night Challenge goes May 24th

Local officials are looking to raise awareness about homelessness with an overnight fundraising event next month.

The goal of the Homeless Night Challenge is to raise $50,000 for Hope Awaits Men’s Homeless Shelter in North Bay.

Spokesperson Dave Cross says there is a critical need to support the homeless.

He points out there isn’t enough beds for those in need.

Cross also says awareness is key.

“The other thing that people don’t realize is the stereotype for people that are homeless.  A lot of times it’s people like you and I that have fallen on a bad situation, they’ve gotten sick, they’ve lost their job, they’ve lost everything,” he says.

Cross says the May 24th event includes overnight challenges for the teams of four or five that take part.

“To teach people what homeless is, the details of it, and see how they experience being homeless for the night.  So the intention is they actually build their own shelter and that’s what they’ll be sleeping in that night,” he says.

There’s also local entertainment and trivia at night and a pancake breakfast, which is open to the public, the following morning at The Gathering Place.

For more information or to get involved CLICK HERE.

(Photo submitted)