‘One Night’ highlights awareness for homelessness

AUBURN – Recently the James Cultural Plaza was occupied overnight by a group hoping to raise awareness for homelessness in DeKalb County. Hearten House, a local nonprofit, hosted its annual event, “One Night,” to highlight homelessness in the area where participants were able to spend the night outside at the plaza to experience what homelessness may be like.

Funds were also raised to sponsor a “One Night” participant for those who wished to donate to the cause. Throughout the evening and into the night, participants shared their testimonies about homelessness and shared a meal in community with one another.

“There is nothing quite like our ‘One Night’ event,” said Executive Director Marisa McKenzie. “I mean, what other organization can say they emulated a night of homelessness to try and prevent homelessness? It’s such a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the epidemic that is so prevalent here in our own small town.”

The funds that were raised this year amounted to nearly $14,000. The funds go directly to the mission of Hearten House, which supports women suffering from homelessness, addiction, trauma and abuse, as well as other hardships.

“We were so blessed with a beautiful night this year,” said McKenzie. “In the past years, it hasn’t been so nice. But I guess that’s just a testament to the weather that people suffering from homelessness must go through day after day.”

International Paper provided a grant in the amount of $2379.00, and the Tri-Wall Butler Plant built and gave cardboard housing for One Night participants. During the night, worship music was played by the McEntee family and the James Foundation donated the use of the James Cultural Plaza.

If you missed this year’s event but would still like the donate to the cause, go to https://www.heartenhouse.org/one-night to learn more.