ASHLAND, Ky. — Have you ever wondered what it was like to be homeless… to have perhaps the clothes on your back, a blanket or two, and only a box in which to sleep?

As part of national Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 15 – 21, the Shelter of Hope is organizing a unique opportunity for individuals to gain a greater understanding of struggles the homeless endure… “A Night Without a Home.” Starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, participants will gather together at the empty lot adjacent to First Christian Church, DoC (between Miller Funeral Home and Federated Charities, aka- the Dressing Room), for a night’s experience with a two-fold purpose.

The first priority is, of course, to raise awareness, to which end a variety of speakers will present both first-hand accounts of homelessness, as well as front-line accounts from those who work with homeless individuals and families. Second, the event is being organized as a fundraiser for the Shelter of Hope.

Participants will seek sponsors to pay for their spending the night outside in the elements, either garnering monetary donations or pledges to acquire the most frequently used supplies at the shelter, such as: cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, towels and washcloths, full size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, diapers and wipes (esp. sz. 3, 4, and 5), blankets (esp. twin and full sz.), pots and pans, powdered laundry detergent, dish liquid.

The event will wrap up around 10 a.m. on Saturday. Breakfast will be provided.

For more information about the event, contact Susan Harris, occupancy manager, or Ted Kizziar, Housing Services Coordinator, at The Shelter of Hope, at 606-324-6700.