Homeless awareness event held in 'Cardboard City'

Event gives people a night to experience what it may be like to be homeless

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group people at CrossRoad United Methodist Church braved the rainy weather Friday night at "cardboard city."

The annual event gives individuals, families and groups a night to experience what it might be like to be homeless.

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This year, the group will sleep in cardboard boxes, tents and cars.

The event is held to raise awareness for the number of homeless families in Jacksonville; nearly 40 percent of the homeless populations are families.

There will be activities throughout the night, including education and presentations related to homelessness.

After a light meal served by the Alhambra Friday night, event goers were treated to a big screen movie.

Family Promise of Jacksonville puts on the event each year. They are a non-profit organization with the goal of helping homeless families.

Family Promise collaborates with 17 local congregations, social service organizations and 800 volunteers. They have nearly an 80 percent success rate helping homeless families obtain employment and permanent housing.

Homeless event held in 'Cardboard City'