'Sleep-Out To End Homelessness' Raises Awareness In Venice
An humanitarian group of community activists organized "Sleep-Out to End Homelessness" in Venice this past Saturday, August 6, in an effort to raise awareness of the homeless populations' needs in Los Angeles. Over 20 organizations that deal directly with the homeless - including St. Joseph Center, the Venice Family Clinic and the Venice Community Housing Corporation - sponsored the campaign, reports CBS LA.
Approximately 75 people - religious leaders, folk singers, civil rights leaders and homeless advocates - participated in the event, beginning at 7:30pm on Saturday and ending at 7:30am on Sunday on the lawn in front of Beyond Baroque and SPARC on Venice Boulevard. Organizers instructed participants to supply sleeping supplies similar to that of the homeless population.
“Bring your sleeping bag or your cardboard condo,” said organizers, according to CBS LA.
Another goal of Saturday night's sleep-out aimed to motivate the community and political leaders to identify solutions for homelessness.
“The message has to get across to the politicians that we won’t accept the situation and they need to provide some positive response, take this seriously and work on some solutions,” said Organizer Steve Clair.
