VALDOSTA — A first-hand simulation will allow the community to experience what it’s like to be “Homeless for a Night.”

The event will be hosted by Lowndes Associated Ministries to People from 7 p.m.-7 a.m., Nov. 16-17 at the 5 Points Shopping Center. Registration is at 6 p.m.

People are encouraged to bring tents, cardboard boxes or a sleeping mat for an overnight stay in the 5 Points parking lot.

Attendees are also asked to bring warm clothes, a pillow, a blanket, a drink bottle and food and drinks with them. Security will be on-site.

Proceeds will benefit the LAMP shelter, which is seeking to raise $15,000, said Feleica Harrington, executive director.

Greater Valdosta United Way will provide soup and crackers, and a light breakfast will be available.

Those who do not wish to sleep in the parking lot may still participate by sleeping in their backyards or neighborhoods.

“We’re basically giving people the real experience of what it’s like to live on the streets and have to depend on minimal food to survive,” Harrington said.

People who have been or are currently homeless will give testimonies and share their stories.

Members of LAMP will be participating along with Harrington and her family, she said.

“We build personal relationships with our clients so we understand their struggles,” Harrington said.

Homeless for a Night brings awareness to the cause, she said.

“A lot of people look at homelessness as a situational experience, meaning that people determine if they’re going to be homeless or not,” Harrington said. “That’s really not the case.”

Harrington said circumstances can cause a person to be homeless, such as natural disasters, house fires, divorce or the death of spouse who was head of household and landlord foreclosure.

Mental health issues and substance abuse can force a person to become homeless, she said.

“We just really want to spread the awareness, show people that we are our brother’s keeper, and we’re only as strong as our weakest person,” she said.

During the event, there will be live music and games, such as “From Homelessness to Housed.”

The game will offer real-life homelessness scenarios with the ultimate goal of having permanent housing, Harrington said.

Prizes will be given to the best box house, the person who raises the most money and the organization or group that raises the most money.

A prize will be given to whoever has the best social media presence in tagging LAMPValdosta in social media posts and using the hashtag LAMPH4AN.

Those not participating in the parking lot must post a photo of themselves using the hashtag and tagging LAMP on social media. Photos will be shown on a screen at the event.

Individual registration is $25 and team registration is $50. Teams consist of two or more people, or groups such as a doctor’s office.

Registration can be completed by visiting lampinc.org. It can be done the day of the event. Changing Lives T-shirts will be sold for $10.

Call Rocio Obregon at (440) 769-0215 or (229) 245-7157 for more information. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.