Shalom Community Center To Hold Second Annual Solidarity Sleepout Virtually

The Shalom Community Center of Bloomington will hold its second annual Solidarity Sleepout on Friday.

The center’s Executive Director Forrest Gilmore said the Sleepout is the biggest fundraiser for their overnight shelter A Friend’s Place.

A Friend’s Place provides 40 beds for adults in the area who are experiencing homelessness.

“It’s not just a place to sleep and a place to crash, but it’s filled with support to help people get back on their feet and get back home,” Gilmore said.

Gilmore said last year the sleepout raised over $25,000 for the shelter. These funds help finance the $480 daily costs of running the shelter.

This year, participants in the Solidarity Sleepout will spend the night in their backyard or living rooms to social distance. Sleepers create donation pages to raise money as they sleep out.

Gilmore said they plan to utilize technology to keep sleeper engaged during the event.

“We’re going to try to adapt and use technology, Zoom and Facebook Live and stuff to help create some connection through the experience,” Gilmore said.

Registeration and more information about the Sleepout is available at shalomcommunitycenter.org