Genesis House is inviting people to spend the night sleeping in the park to raise awareness about homelessness in Siloam Springs and inspire the community to do something about it.
"One Night Without a Home" will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in City Park. It will include dinner, a presentation, special music, prayer and optional overnight stay in the park. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside the Community Building.
Genesis House is a day shelter for the homeless. It provides pre-packaged meals, showers and a place to do laundry. It also provides rental assistance, emergency housing and referrals to other resources available in the community.
During the event, participants will hear about the problem of homelessness in Siloam Springs from Genesis House director Harvey McCone and board president Jerry Cavness. Genesis House clients will also give their testimonials.
Those who stay the night can build a cardboard box home to sleep in with a blanket from home or they can bring a small tent and a sleeping bag. A suggested donation of $20 per family and $10 for individual includes a basic meal and overnight stay.
"Instead of having a big dinner gala event where we're all dressed up fancy and asking people to support the homeless, it seemed more appropriate to meet in the park and spend some time talking about how we can change lives in our community and maybe have a small taste of the experience of what homelessness must feel like by having the opportunity to spend the night in the park when it's a little colder outside," said Christina Drake, Genesis House board member.
Last year Genesis house had 2,451 visits from people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, according McCone. The number includes 527 people who were homeless for the first time and about 400 children.
Most residents of Siloam Springs don't see many stereotypical homeless people, McCone said. Many times homeless people are single parents who have been evicted from an apartment because they lost support or a job, or had a medical issue. It's typical for homeless families to be living in a tent in the woods instead of under a bridge, McCone said.
"It's more out of sight, out of mind," he said. "They're just normal people having a tough time for a short period of time."
Drake hopes One Night Without a Home will help those who attend recognize how many people in the community are homeless, at risk of homelessness or on the verge of becoming homeless. Despite the great need, Genesis House has to turn away three out of four people who approach them for help because of lack of funds, she said.
"It's about raising awareness and an opportunity to give, especially for those that have warm homes," Drake said.
Homeless people will also be taking part in the event, according to Jerry Cavness, president of Genesis House board. Several clients and people who have experienced homelessness will be speaking during the event.
Last year more than 125 people attended the event and a brave group of 35 people spent the night in the park, Drake said. It was an eyeopener for many who listened to Genesis House clients speak and were surprised to learn how many people the organization helps each year, she said.
"It was well received and we're hoping even more people come out and support us this year," she said. "Everybody is welcome, there is no cost but they can donate if they choose too but it is not mandatory."
The event has strong community support, Drake said. Arvest Bank and Cargill are providing the evening meal. Simmons Foods is donating cardboard boxes for shelters and McDonalds is donating coffee and juice in the morning. Churches and individuals are also partnering with Genesis House for the event.
The Siloam Springs Council of Realtors, made up of all five real estate agencies in Siloam Springs, is the presenting sponsor of the event, said Drake, who works as a real estate broker. Together the five offices raised $2,000 for the event and will be providing volunteers.
Homelessness is an issue that real estate agents deal with on a regular basis, whether it be trying to help someone downsize when they can't afford their mortgage payment or helping a person without a home find an affordable rental, Drake said.
"It's something close to home for us," she said.
"It takes a lot of coordination and teamwork together," McCone said. "This is a community issue and we need community solutions to help with homelessness here in Siloam Springs."
For more details about the event contact Genesis House at 479-549-3438 or "like" Genesis House on Facebook.
General News on 10/07/2015