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| Date: |
10/28/2009 |
| Contact Name: |
Mike Wood |
| Number: |
712-255-1691 |
Explorer Stadium Is 'Home' Again For Siouxland Sleep-Out
EXPLORER STADIUM
IS ‘HOME’ AGAIN FOR
SIOUXLAND SLEEP-OUT
Friday, November 6, will find volunteers sleeping out in the cold at Lewis and Clark Park (Explorer Stadium). The group will spend the night to raise money and awareness for area homeless missions. The planners anticipate more than 200 participants despite the recent cold and wet weather. Of course, those without homes have little choice.
On any given night in Siouxland, an estimated 400 area residents spend the night outside, in cars and in other places not meant for human habitation. They are members of the homeless community. Throughout the year, about 1400 individuals find themselves in this predicament just in Woodbury County. A recent Sioux City study, found children make up 59% of homeless individuals. The Sioux City schools predict 500 homeless students during this school year.
The Siouxland Sleep-Out has a goal of raising more than $40,000 this year. All funds raised by our volunteers stay in Siouxland, according to Mike Wood, volunteer. Among this year’s recipients are Shesler Hall for women, Henry Muller Hall for men, Sioux City Gospel Mission Women and Children Shelter, Community Support Services of the Siouxland Mental Health Center and the Siouxland Coalition to End Homelessness.
Willie Delfs, Event Manager, advises that there is plenty of room for those interested in joining the mission. Anyone wishing to make a pledge for an existing sleeper or who is willing to camp out may sign up. We will begin registration and tent set up at 1:00pm on Friday, the 6th. A soup line style dinner will be offered between 5:00pm and 7:00pm with event activities to follow. A canned goods drive will benefit the Sioux City Gospel Mission.
Delfs is grateful for the many who have signed on with the Siouxland Sleep-Out over the past five years. Sioux City was the first city in Iowa to announce a major sleep-out back in 2005. There are now nine such events in the State to assist with the homeless cause.
To get involved, phone the Siouxland Sleep-Out at 255-1691 or email mhasiouxland@aol.com. More details including photos of past events are on the website, www.siouxlandsleepout.com.
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