Homelessness is arguably one of the biggest crises facing us today. Hope Awaits’ Homeless Night Challenge is an event designed to help with this crisis.
Hope Awaits Ministries’ Men’s Homeless Shelter serves men who are homeless. “Our clients come from all walks of life, as there is not one common denominator that renders someone homeless. Sometimes it is the last person you might expect who will show up at our door in need of help. Once someone is accepted into our program they can stay at the shelter as long as they need to in order to re-establish themselves, given that they continue to work towards meeting their goals. Our staff work directly with clients helping them set and achieve goals,” said Executive Director Nicole Clark.
This June 3 from noon to 7 p.m. is the fourth iteration of the Hope Awaits fundraiser and awareness event, the Homeless Night Challenge. “The challenge is at the Kiwanis Bandshell,” explained Clark. “Teams of four or five people compete in different challenges to see who can win. Challenges include building a shelter, and other activities designed to raise awareness of some of the key issues that arise when someone is homeless.”
Clark went on to explain that the event is a family-friendly day. “You can register with a team, or just come and watch the teams participate and enjoy the other activities,” she explained. “Children see the homeless on a daily basis, it’s good for them to learn about homelessness as well.”
In addition to the team challenges, the event will feature a silent auction, face painting, lots of food, and live music. North Bay’s preeminent and very popular cover band, Roadhouse, will be the headliner for the live music.
“The day is open to everyone, and we want everyone to come, participate and learn,” said Clark. “Put a team together and compete to build a shelter that will withstand the elements with just a tarp, cardboard, and tape. Enjoy the music, the activities, and the food, and work with your team to learn and grow, as well as raise funds for the shelter. Homelessness affects all of us. Let’s get together and help eradicate it.”
You can register your team for the Homeless Night Challenge here. The Homeless Night Challenge is happening June 3 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Kiwanis Bandshell in North Bay. It is open for everyone to attend.