A Sleep Out is a way to raise money and awareness for our homeless and food-insecure neighbors by inviting all participants to spend the night outside, in the elements, in a cardboard box, tent or other makeshift shelter. Although we could never recreate the real-life experience of what it is like to be truly homeless, sleeping out for the night can focus all our thoughts on how we can all make a difference in ending the hunger and homelessness right here in our area.

In addition to pots of soup, coffee and hot chocolate, the Sleep Out seeks to entertain and educate through guest speakers from area food banks and homeless shelters along with the homeless themselves. It's our goal to not only raise as much money as we can, but also to teach people all the ways that they can continue making a tangible, positive difference in their community.

The night of Friday, November 11, 2011 in the field next to the Albany Mall (2601 Dawson Rd. / Albany, GA). You can't miss it.

You can participate by becoming a Sleeper - either solo or with a group. Simply fill out the requisite forms and raise $100 (per sleeper) from family, friends and businesses.

While we encourage everyone to try Sleeping Out for the night, anyone ismore than welcome to come enjoy the phenomenal bands, guest speakersand entertainment we have lined up. After all, thisis a night about community.Voluntary donations will be accepted at the front entrance.

Absolutely. Though anyone under 18 years old must have direct adult supervision (ie, aparent, youth leader, etc.) as well as a completed Parent / Guardian Agreement and Consent form.

All donations benefit local organizations directly involved in ending regional food insecurity and homelessness. Monetary donations benefit Mission Change's Hope for the Hungry and Homeless missions, while In Kind gifts benefit GraceWay, Faith Community Outreach, A Place 4Hope, the Salvation Army, the Anchorage and Second Harvest FoodBank.

This year's Sleep Out promises to be our biggest and most entertaining to date featuring live music by Highway 55, Gabriel and the Rock Him Crew, and True Blue City.

We'll reveal further details as we work them out, so check back soon!

And be sure to check out our Beard Wars page and make your voice heard in this year's hair-raising (or maybe hair-shaving) fundraiser.

For more info or sponsorship opportunities, contact La Donna Urick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 229-886-6653.