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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Houston SleepOut?
Houston
SleepOut is an uplifting overnight event
to build awareness and funds for the homeless
community. By spending one night without
the comforts of their home participants
will hopefully have a greater understanding
of the plight of the homeless. Participants
raising $100 will sleep in a secured area
in Sesquicentennial Park. Food, brown bag
style, will be served and a Faces of Homeless
Program will be enjoyed by all. The Faces
of Homelessness program will feature performers
and speakers who have struggled with homelessness
and emerged successfully to tell their story.
When is Houston
SleepOut?
Saturday, November 15th, 2008 from 7 pm
- 7 am. The event will kick-off the beginning
of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness
Week.
Where
is Sesquicentennial Park?
Sesquicentennial
Park is in downtown Houston behind the
Wortham Center, at the corner of Bagby
and Prairie. The park is big enough
for 500 people to sleep with 8'x5' space.
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Will the park be safe?
This event
is supported by the Convention Center so city
security, as well as, event security will
be in place. The only individuals allowed
to enter the park will be participants with
a wristband and credentials.
Do I have to
spend the night?
Spending
the night is encouraged, though not required.
The main program will be from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Movies will play all night long. Once event
participants leave the park after the commencement
of the program they will not be allowed back
in. The entire event hours are from 7 pm to
7 am, November 15th.
What food will
be served?
A brown
bag meal will be provided. The meal will be
the same as the one given to the homeless
during the SEARCH Mobile Outreach program.
What are we
allowed to SleepOut in?
Individuals may bring pup tents or sleeping
bags. No full tents are allowed due to space
limitations. Cardboard boxes will be provided
by Young Ambassadors to place your sleeping
bag or pup tent on. The cardboard creates
a barrier from the cold earth so participants
don't risk being too cold. Pup tents can be
purchased from local sporting good or camping
stores.
What are you allowed to
bring?
Individuals
are encouraged to bring only necessary items-
medicine, required toiletries. All bags and
items brought in are subject to search for
security purposes.
What is the
Faces of Homelessness program?
Miya Shay,
of Channel 13 News will be emceeing the event.
Ali, a comedian that has performed on Russell
Simmons DEF Comedy JAM will be performing.
He was once homeless himself and a resident
of the Star of Hope mission for 4 years. More
performers are being added daily. When the
main program finishes, movies such as The
Pursuit of Happiness, will be played all night
long.
Where does the
money go?
Directly
to SEARCH Homeless Services. SEARCH has become
one of the leading agencies in Houston serving
the city's estimated 10,000 people who experience
homelessness on any given day. SEARCH provides
the resources and services needed to help
individuals and families get off the streets,
and into jobs and safe, stable housing.
How do I start
raising money?
Visit www.sleepout.org
and click on Participate. Start a fundraising
page there. It's very similar to a Race for
the Cure or MS 150. Once you've created a
page, email the link to all your contacts.
If you register to participate tonight by
donating $25 and creating a donation page
you'll be entered into a drawing for many
great prizes.
Has a SleepOut
been organized before?
Yes, in
various cities across the US and world. For
example, in Milan, Italy celebrities slept
out and raised over $1 million for the homeless.
Are children
welcome at Houston SleepOut?
We ask
that anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied
by an adult guardian. Before entering Houston
SleepOut, individuals must show proof of identification
and age. Every participant must sign a waiver
before entering the event.
Are pets allowed?
No, unfortunately
for Department of Health concerns pets are
not allowed.
Is alcohol or
tobacco allowed?
No, there
is a no tolerance policy.
Are instruments
allowed?
No, there
will be a program and we don't want to compete
with it.
Will there be
restrooms?
There will
be plenty of portable restrooms in place for
the participants to use.
Will the homeless
be allowed to SleepOut?
Any participant raising the minimum $100 requirement
will be allowed to SleepOut at the event.
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