Americans Challenged to Sleep Out Overnight to Raise Awareness About Homelessness Around the World

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Britain's Prince William slept on the streets of London in December and now The Lord's Place, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization which helps the homeless in Palm Beach County, Florida, is challenging the nation to sleep outside -- or on the floor in their home -- for one night to experience what it is like to be homeless.

"The stories of Haitians living on the streets because of the earthquake are the most recent reminder that millions of people around the world live everyday without a home, something most of us take for granted," said The Lord's Place Executive Director Diana Stanley.  "We are challenging all Americans to sleep outside for one night in their backyard, porch, apartment balcony or patio, or even on their living room floor, to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be homeless so they will want to join the fight to end homelessness."

Stanley and hundreds of others will take part in The Lord's Place 3rd Annual SleepOut for the Homeless beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, February 5 in Downtown West Palm Beach.  The event raises funds for the agency which helps the homeless change their lives and become productive citizens.  Statistics show that there are more than 4,000 homeless men, women and children in Palm Beach County, FL which includes some of the wealthiest communities in the world.  Donations can be made at www.thelordsplace.org.

The Lord's Place SleepOut Co-Chairman Pamela McIver, who lives on the island of Palm Beach, one of the wealthiest communities in America, has sent a message to her Palm Beach friends and neighbors imploring them to fight homelessness which is "just across the bridge."  McIver writes, "Right across the bridge, a mom escaping her abusive husband sleeps with her child in her car. A dad, having recently lost his job as a security guard, tries to find a place to sleep with his little boy.  This is reality -- this is life -- right across the bridge."  McIver has slept out overnight during SleepOut each year and will participate again this year.

Stanley added that increased funding is key to solving homelessness. "We have successful programs - we just need more money to implement these life-changing programs so that we can end homelessness one life at a time."

SOURCE The Lord’s Place