Missions, shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantries participate in National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week annually. As in the past five years, WellSpring Family Shelter, will once again be doing its part to raise awareness about these crucial issues while raising funds to provide pathways to prosperity for the families who are homeless. On Friday night Nov. 22 starting at 6:00 PM through Saturday at 6 AM throughout Morgan County and beyond, WellSpring board members, staff, community leaders, and others concerned about those experiencing hunger and homelessness will participate in Bring Your Own Box (BYOBox). Youth groups, service clubs, teachers (MSD Martinsville alone currently has more than 400 homeless students), and even senior citizens will grab a box, sleeping bag, or camp chair and “Sleep Out” to help evict homelessness from our community.
We are recruiting those who will join us and be willing to experience one night of being uncomfortable so others can have access to the resources they need to stabilize their lives and begin working toward success. Our sleepers can choose to form their own group with family, friends, co-workers, and fellow parishioners at a location of their choosing (preferably a highly visible area with access to adequate lighting and restroom facilities), or they can join groups already being formed. From 7 PM-10 PM that night, a speaker will drop by your location and educate your group on hunger and homelessness, as well as answer any questions you might have about WellSpring services. Saturday morning, we will be back around with fresh donuts, coffee, and of course our sincere gratitude.
While your 12 hours of “Sleeping Out” will raise awareness, that is only half of our initiative. We encourage all sleepers to raise at least 3 nights of services for a family who is homeless ($150.00). We will supply you with the information to set up your donation site through which your sponsors can donate directly to WellSpring.
Might we include you in our group of sleepers? Or, would you be willing to create a fundraising page to support those of us spending the night out?
For questions or more details, you may reach us at 765-342-6661 ext. 304 or Bob@wellspring.work