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Cardboard boxes, shopping carts and a bonfire – Sleep Out “campers” could only imagine what it would be like to be homeless.

Marshall County Community Development’s first “One Night Without A Home” Awareness Sleep Out was a success.

Rev. Charles LeSure, Union Hill CME, Water Valley, provided an opening prayer and speech about local churches’ responsibility to provide for those who are less fortunate. Melba Brown and Luberta Smith, wife of the late former mayor Eddie Lee Smith, led participants in a verse of “Amazing Grace.”

Although one night outside can in no way simulate homelessness, participants had an opportunity to experience hunger and homelessness.

Special thanks goes to Mayor Andre’ DeBerry and the City of Holly Springs for allowing the front yard of City Hall for the sleep out. Shelly Sharp from the Humane Society kept campers warm by building a bonfire.

Local business owners, such as Bill and Sherry Janssen (The Rental Barn), provided homemade chili and hot chocolate and John and Donna Boyuka (Granny Walnut’s) offered coffee and creamer.

Campers included Minnie Hoey (Marshall County DHS/FCS), Sherry Janssen (The Rental Barn), Shelly Sharp (the Humane Society), Edythe Taylor (MCCDC) and granddaughter Niyah Taylor, Diann LeSure, Paul Neely (MCCDC), Gloria Marion (MCCDC) and Melba Brown (MCCDC).

Other participants were Sis. Mary Ann Grausam (MCCDC) and Bro. Lyle Hennen, S.C.J. (Catholic Social Services and Sacred Heart Southern Missions); Lawanda Whitelow and Shaquana McKinney, members of Zeta Phi Beta, Rust College; Alfred Moore (MCCDC); Janis Hightower (Total Change of Heart Ministries); Lynn Pullen (MDHS/DYS); Jeannie Dardar (New Hope Village); Deborah Walton (New Hope Village), Larry Nunnally and Esther McNeal.

To learn more about how you can become involved with the issues of hunger and homelessness, visit New Hope Village, 488 Martin Luther King Drive, Holly Springs, or contact MCCDC at 662-252-4688.

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