Sleepless San Diego returns for 7th year

Por Dave Fidlin | Reportero SDUN

What would it be like to sleep outside with a cardboard box for shelter? How would it feel not to know when or where you will receive your next meal?

For seven years, San Diego Rescue Mission organizers have given people an opportunity to sample homelessness – in a somewhat sanitized environment – through an overnight event known as Sleepless San Diego.

Based in Bankers Hill, the Rescue Mission is bringing Sleepless San Diego back Sept. 21, and organizers say a number of new features are planned for this year’s event.

“There’s something special about being part of something like this because you’re going above and beyond,” said Juliette Sherry, events manager with the Rescue Mission. “Being together as a city is what we need to have happen. If we don’t come together as a city, how are we ever going to end this?”

With nearly 10,000individuals who are homeless across the county, San Diego ranks third in the United States for homelessness, trailing New York City and Los Angeles. Herb Johnson, Rescue Mission president and CEO, said startling statistics like these are one of many reasons behind Sleepless San Diego.

“We’re America’s Finest City, and yet we have this tragedy,” Johnson said. “Some of the misconceptions about the homeless population are also a tragedy.”

Since the awareness campaign launched in 2007, thousands of people have withheld the comforts of sleeping in their own homes for one night. With sleeping bags and other makeshift devices, they sleep outside, making a visible reminder of what San Diegans who are homeless contend with on a nightly basis.

While the outdoor sleeping experience is optional, Johnson said those who do decide to take part in the powerful exercise can be assured of safety. Security and Rescue Mission staff will be on hand to look after people during the overnight hours.

As has been the case with previous Sleepless San Diego events, attendees this year will have an opportunity to partake in a number of activities, including live music from the Rescue Mission’s house band, Dr. Seahorse, in addition to gospel choirs and a dance group.

Other festivities include an art gallery and an opportunity to create care packages for people in need. Additionally, several experts will be on hand to discuss homelessness and how San Diegans can pitch in and assist.

“What’s great about something like Sleepless San Diego is all of the interactive parts,” Sherry said. “People can actively get involved and learn more about homelessness.”

This year, Johnson said he anticipates people will be especially riveted by a series of videos the Rescue Mission will be showing throughout the evening, chronicling the plight of homelessness.

“These videos are extremely moving,” he said. “I think they will get people thinking differently about the homeless. These are not people who are just standing on a street corner with a cardboard sign.”

Proceeds from Sleepless San Diego will go directly toward Rescue Mission initiatives, including their Residential Recovery Programs.

Since its inception in 1955, the Christian-based San Diego Rescue Mission has taken a long-term view in caring for people in need throughout the city. Their Residential Recovery Programs, including a men’s center, women’s and children’s center, and emergency shelter for women and children, houses upwards of 400 people at any given time, and most residents stay from 12 to 16 months through an intensive rehabilitation program.

The Rescue Mission, an affiliate of the World Gospel Mission, accepts people of all religious affiliations – including individuals who are not religious – but Johnson said long-term residents are asked to attend a regular Bible study and participate in church.

“Our mission statement is to change lives,” he said.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: San Diego Rescue Mission’s seventh annual Sleepless San Diego

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 – 7 a.m. Sept. 22

WHERE: 2455 Cushing Rd., Liberty Station

COST: $30 fundraising minimum requested

INFORMATION: sleeplesssandiego.org, sdrescue.org, 619-687-3720