Night in a Car 2024 – POSTPONED
October 19, 2024
Bridge of Hope North Central Iowa
EVENT POSTPONED!!!
DATE TBD
NIGHT
IN A CAR 2024
Saturday, October 19, 5 PM-Midnight (check-in starts 4 PM)
at Hampton Church of Christ, 811 4th St NE
What is Night in a Car?
A homelessness simulation that shines a spotlight on the hidden aspect of homelessness that many families experience-living in their cars. Participants will take part in homeless/poverty simulation activities and will “live” in their own cars for several hours during the event. The church will be open for restroom breaks and warm drinks. Pre-registration is required – $50 PER CAR, and forms must be signed by ALL participants or parent/guardian, if under 18 years old. Registration and waiver forms and the $50 fee are due by October 14. Return to Bridge of Hope, PO Box 623, Hampton IA 50441 or drop off at First Bank Hampton.
Why Get Involved?
Step into the shoes of someone experiencing homelessness and gain a unique perspective on the struggles they face daily. Our immersive simulation will challenge your assumptions, ignite your empathy, and inspire you. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the issue and practical steps you can take to make a difference.
Donations will be collected for the Franklin County Community and West Fork Food Pantries. For teams who would like to raise money for Bridge of Hope, fundraising sheets are available. All donations should be brought to the church the night of the event and will be collected at check-in. Trophies will be awarded to the teams who bring in the most food bank donations and who raise the most money for Bridge of Hope.
Rules and Information for Participation
- Each car must have at least one adult age 21 or older. EVERY participant must sign a liability waiver or have one signed by their parent or guardian, if they are under 18, PRIOR to the night of the event.
- No alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or tobacco products.
- Dress warmly. Participants are recommended to bring plenty of blankets, coats, extra socks, gloves, hats, and flashlights. Remember-you won’t be able to run your engine a lot to keep warm-gas is too expensive!
- The church will be open for restroom breaks and warm beverages throughout the night.
- Security volunteers will make rounds of the parking lot every 30 minutes.
- A meal of hotdogs, chips and cookies will be provided, and water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be available.
- Teams are encouraged to bring donations which will be distributed to the Franklin County Community and West Fork Food Pantries. When choosing items for donation, please consider how useful it may be to someone living in a car or with limited access for preparation. Cans with pop tops (open without a can opener), items not needing several other ingredients to prepare, not needing refrigeration, ready-to-eat, $10 fast food gift cards, are useful. NEW non-food items will also be collected such as toothpaste, toothbrushes in packaging, sample-size shampoo, personal hygiene items, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, socks, hats, and gloves.
- Registration money and funds raised will help a local homeless family gain safe, stable housing and a path to a brighter future!
For registration, waiver and fundraising forms, please contact Linda Wharton, Board Chair at 641-456-3660 or Hujron Hofer, Director at 641-456-8644 or a Board Member, Kim Hershey, Pam Whipple, Janae Eisentrager, Rachel Heilskov or Leigha Jones.