UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS - A 14-hour experience. An opportunity to share a meal with individuals, families, and children in a shelter. Walk to a park, listen to the voices of those experiencing homelessness, sleep under the stars. Wake up early, share lessons learned, walk back to the Salvation Army. 

Ever wonder what it would be like to experience homelessness? Want to know who is experiencing homelessness and why? Want to know how you can help? Join us for an experience you will not forget!

Register Now! 

What to expect: 

EVENT WILL NOT CANCEL DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Anyone under 18 must have a chaperone. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

• 4:00 pm Registration and Dinner at Salvation Army
• 5:00 pm Homelessness March from Salvation Army to BERGFELD PARK (1.8 miles) 
• 5:45 pm Reflection
• 6:00 pm Faces of Homelessness program
• 8:30 pm Candlelight vigil
• 9:30 pm Sleep* 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

• 5:00 am Lessons Learned discussion
• 5:30 am March from Bergfeld Park to the Salvation Army. Program ends at 6:00 am.

 What you CAN bring:

• YES Wear warm comfortable clothes and shoes. Dress in layers.
• YES Sleeping bag or blanket(s), cardboard, plastic. Only what you can carry.            

What you CANNOT bring:

• NO Money, debit, or credit cards
• NO Food, snacks, candy, gum**
• NO Electronics (cell phone***, IPad, games)
• NO Camping gear (except sleeping bag)
• NO watch and NO jewelry

* You will be tempted to go home after the program instead of sleeping at the park. "But, I have to go to work in the morning" Did you know that 47% of homeless individuals have jobs? "But, the kids have school in the morning" - Did you know that 15% of those experiencing homelessness in Tyler are children? Please stay for the whole event, we know it will be difficult - this is part of the experience. 

** Exceptions will be made for those with medical conditions such as diabetes and hypoglycemia.

*** Event organizers will have cell phones in case of emergency. You will feel disconnected from your loved ones. Let them know what you are doing and tell them not to worry about you, it's only 14 hours. We will have Police officers with us throughout the event - of course, this is a luxury not available to those experiencing homelessness.