MACON, Ga. — Dozens of people stepped outside of their comfort zone to show solidarity for folks dealing with homelessness.
They pitched tents to simulate what it's like to endure cold weather, lack of electricity and other comforts we may take for granted. It's all part of Daybreak's sleepout fundraiser.
Hussein Shaeikh-Aden said the experience is a chance to empathize with neighbors.
“Really on the same level playing field at this moment,” he said.
A moment where folks who often get overlooked feel heard, seen and welcomed.
Sharon Gilford uses a wheelchair and a cart to carry her worldly belongings.
“We need help," Gilford said. "Everyone needs help.”
Sharon regularly sleeps outside with just a sleeping bag to keep her warm.
“I think it's great because most people don't see how we live day by day or that we still work,” she said about the sleepout
The fundraiser for Daybreak initially brought in almost $314,000, and every cent goes toward what they do as a lifesaver for people without a permanent address.
Meals come every morning, folks can grab a shower, have counseling sessions and sit down for a medical checkup.
“I'm going to be moving into their apartments next door,” Sharon exclaimed.
And most importantly getting folks like Sharon off the streets and into a stable situation.
One night in a tent doesn't give one the real fear of not having a home, but it does provide dollars for Daybreak to act as a lifesaver in a storm.
Sister Theresa Sulivan with Daybreak says the fundraising number will go up from this event and they will announce the final number soon.
She also shared with us a sobering fact.
The average life span for a person who is dealing with homelessness is 47 for women and 49 for men.