All-night ‘sleep out’ event to shed light on homelessness

A Costa Mesa-based nonprofit is organizing an all-night “sleep out” to raise awareness about homelessness in Orange County.

An estimated 50 people are expected to join Share Our Selves on Friday evening — rain or clear night — in the parking lot of the group’s facility, 1550 Superior Ave.

Organizers said they want Sleep Out on Superior to be an annual event that actualizes the group’s mission by “bringing to light the conditions that our homeless neighbors endure daily,” according to a news release.

The event falls during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

“We wanted to do something to do our support, to show our solidarity with the homeless population that we serve,” said Elizabeth Hopkins, director of marketing and special events. “We thought this would be a great way to educate community members about hunger and homelessness here in Orange County.”

Sleep Out on Superior, which is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday, will include SOS members sharing their experiences with homelessness and a screening of “Storied Streets,” a documentary about homelessness.

Share Our Selves CEO Karen McGlinn said she got the idea for Sleep Out on Superior after visiting a conference in New Orleans, where groups conducted a similar event.

Participants will also prepare hygiene kits and Thanksgiving food bags and make cards for the homeless.

Organizers ask that participants bring anything they would need to sleep outside — sleeping bags, pillows, blankets or tarps — and donate $35 or $35 worth of hygiene products. Funds help the SOS food pantry and services.

Tents are not permitted. A light dinner will be provided.

For more information, visit www.shareourselves.org/events or call (949) 270-2100.